Mort du Captaine Cook

Artist Adolphe Rouargue (French, born 1810)

Engraver Charles Lalaisse (1812 - 1884)

Publisher Furne

Date1838

Object number00037898

NameEngraving

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsImage: 120 x 170 mm
Overall: 156 x 203 mm, 0.01 kg
Sheet: 156 x 203 mm
Sight: 120 x 170 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionAn engraving 'Mort du Capitaine Cook' depicting the death of Captain Cook in Hawaii. Engraved by Charles Beyer and Charles Lalaisse 'Beyer et Ch. Lalaisse' after a drawing by Adolphe Rouargue 'Rouargue del'. Published in Paris by Furne 'Publie par Furne a Paris'.HistoryDespite being in national competition, both Britain and France mourned the death of Cook the explorer. Global exploration, notably the Pacific, was a shared goal between the countries and the pursuit of knowledge overcame many other nationalist obstacles. This depiction of Cook by the French artist Adolphe Rouargue is a similar in tone to others of the time. Here Cook stands alone, in the moment immediately prior to being struck. His crew reaching out for him, while he signals to them to keep back. The scene reinforces the idea of Captain Cook as the hero, the main player in a tragic scene unfolding around him. The French had immediately embraced the idea of Cook dying as a tragic hero. As early as October 1788 a play appeared on the stage in Paris by M. Arnould tiled 'La Mort du Capitaine Cook'. In this theatrical account, which proved so popular that it was performed the following year at Convent Garden, Cook's death was a result of becoming involved in a lovers quarrel. Whilst trying to defend one of the lovers, Cook is stabbed in an act of revenge. As in many pictorial versions of the event, there is little fact in the scene except that is set in Hawaii. SignificanceFrench interest in Pacific exploration was not limited to their own voyages. They held great respect and interest in other journeys of exploration and admired Cook in particular for his success. His death was received with much acknowledgment in France, such as this engraving produced 40 years after the event.