After John Webber
An exact representation of the death of Captn. James Cook, F.R.S. at Karakakooa Bay, in Owhyhee, on Feby. 14. 1779
London: printed for A. Hogg, 1784
Lib.1.80.3 (opposite p. 587)

John Webber’s Death of Cook attempts to elevate Cook to the status of hero and glorify his death. His work was extremely influential as can be seen through its wide dissemination through a large and expensive loose print in 1784 but even more so through the many copies produced to illustrate popular editions of Cook’s voyages. This example, illustrating Hogg’s 1784 popular opus on exploration voyages, A new, authentic, and complete collection of voyages round the world, was copied directly in reverse from Webber’s original. The image encompasses all that could be expected from the voyage’s official artist: the topography of the bay is taken from a drawing produced in situ, while Hawaiian dress and weapons are accurately represented. Cook is depicted about to be stabbed as he raises his arm to gesture to his marines in the boats to stop firing at the crowd. This image was not intended as an accurate representation of Cook’s death but rather served to depict Cook as a hero sacrificing his own life to prevent further bloodshed.