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Sacred to Cook's immortal name
Sacred to Cook's immortal name

Sacred to Cook's immortal name

Maker
Datec 1810
Object number00017859
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 212 x 125 mm, 0.006 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionAn engraving by Thomas Cook after a work by Thomas Stothard commemorating the death of Captain James Cook with an accompanying poem that reads; 'Sacred to Cook's immortal name, The sculptur'd bust excites to fame. And see! to science' lofty heights, Philosophy our Youth invites; The warrior's deeds her feet beneath, Her need a more illustrious wreath'. The illustration shows the female Philosophy pointing towards a temple of fame and wisdom where Cook will join others such as Francis Bacon, William Harvey, Sir Isaac Newton and Joseph Priestly in its immortal halls. At the feet of the figure are books that bear the names 'J. Caesar' and 'Alexander'.SignificanceThe death of Captain James Cook saw an outpouring of public grief in Britain. He was widely known by that time and his navigational and exploration achievements already famous. There were many commemorative pieces published and Cook quickly obtained a divine like status in public memory.