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A striking 1777 engraving by J.K. Sherwin, depicting Captain James Cook's landing at Eua Island in Tonga during his second voyage to the South Pacific, based on an original painting by expedition artist William Hodges.
The scene captures a pivotal moment in European exploration, as Captain James Cook (1728-1779) and his crew come ashore at Eua Island, part of the Friendly Isles (now Tonga). Cook's second voyage (1772-1775) aimed to expand geographical knowledge and further the scientific understanding of the Southern Hemisphere. William Hodges (1744-1797), the expedition's official artist, played a crucial role in documenting these encounters, creating a visual record of the people, landscapes, and events experienced by the crew.
Entitled "The Landing at Middleburgh, one of the Friendly Isles," the engraving presents a captivating and detailed snapshot of the interaction between Europeans and the islanders. In the foreground, Cook and a small party of sailors arrive in a boat, greeted by curious Tongan islanders, while HMS Resolution is visible in the background. The engraving is numbered 'No.LIV' in the lower right corner and was published as part of Cook's account, "A voyage towards the South Pole, and round the World..."
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