Vue de l'Isle d'Otahiti et de Plusieurs Pirogues

Engraver Robert Bénard (1734 -)

Date1774

Object number00001396

NameEngraving

MediumInk on paper

DimensionsOverall: 405 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionAn engraving titled 'Vue de l'Isle d'Otahiti et de Plusieurs Pirogues' or 'View of the island of Tahiti and of several canoes' by Robert Benard from around 1774. The engraving is taken from the French edition of James Cook's first voyage entitled 'Relation des voyages entrepris par ordre de sa Majesté Britannique actuellement régnante pour faire des découvertes dans l'hémisphère méridional, et successivement exécutés par le commodore Byron, le capitaine Carteret, le capitaine Wallis et le capitaine Cook dans les vaisseaux le DAUPHIN, le SWALLOW and l'ENDEAVOUR'HistoryDespite long held military and commercial animosities between Britain and France, they did share a common scientific interest in exploration. Captain Cook in particular inspired the French to further their explorations south. A widespread interest in travel literature and exploration accounts, in conjunction with more accesiable printing prsses, saw the public on both sides ogf the Cannel eager to read voiyage doaries and see images of unknown lands and people. The record of Cook’s voyages were to become popular reading. Louis XVI ordered it translated into French and it was said to be this that Marie-Antoinette was reading in the cells prior to her execution. [http://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/napoleon/exploration-and-discovery/Captain-Cook-and-Scientific-Discovery-of-the-Natural-World.html]SignificanceThe explorations of Captain James Cook on his three voyages had a significant impact not just on Britain, but also on her rival France. A shared interest in science and discovery saw much information translated and exchanged, such as this French edition of Capatin Cook's first voyage.