Original artwork description:

Much is known about the voyages made by James Cook in the 18th century. The first circumnavigation was on the bark Endeavour 1768 - 1771. The ship, formally a collier, The Earl of Pembroke, had been refitted by the Admiralty specifically for the voyage.

A carefully researched and detailed oil painting depicting HM Bark Endeavour at sea in calm weather, painted in a traditional style. This painting is being offered for sale framed and ready to hang in a high quality hand finished bespoke frame. Contact me if you would prefer to purchase unframed (there would be a 10% discount on cost).

The Endeavour departed from Plymouth, Devon on 26 August 1768 sailing around Cape Horn to visit Tahiti to witness the transit of Venus across the sun. The ship and crew spent 3 months in Tahiti and then sailed towards New Zealand. This second part of the voyage was shrouded in secrecy. The Admiralty had commissioned Cook to search for Terra Australis, a land known about but not much more than that at that time. After 6 months meticulously charting New Zealand and realising that it was two separate islands Cook headed towards Australia landing in and naming Botany Bay. Cook charted the east coast of Australia, heading north, Endeavour ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef and eventually reaching the Indian Ocean. Returning to England via the Cape of Good Hope in 1771.

Cook was instrumental in the understanding of scurvy on long sea voyages and his introduction of specific diet and attention to onboard hygiene was successful because none of his crew died of scurvy. Some of the crew did contact malaria on the island of Jakata, Indonesia after leaving Australia.

On the return to England the Endeavour was sold by the Admiralty. Cook went on two more major voyages before being killed in Hawaii.

As a foot note: The wreck of Endeavour was discovered in shallow water off Newport, Rhode Island in the late 1990s. The ship had been scuttled during the War of American Independence in 1778.

Please note that some international destinations may attract import duty/tax. Usually in the region of 5%. The painting will be shipped in a purpose built plywood box.

Materials used:

professional quality oils on linen canvas over a hardwood stretcher

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