Home > Animals > Mammals > Soricidae > Navigator
James Cook, English navigator, witnessing human sacrifice in Taihiti (Otaheite) c1773 (1815)
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
James Cook, English navigator, witnessing human sacrifice in Taihiti (Otaheite) c1773 (1815)
James Cook, English navigator, witnessing human sacrifice in Taihiti (Otaheite) c1773 (1815). A scene from Cooks second Pacific voyage, undertaken from 1772-1775. Engraving from an 1815 edition of Cooks Voyages
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14837527
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Captain Cook Captain James Captain James Cook Cook Discovery Drum Drummer Exploration Explorer Human Sacrifice James Cook Palm Tree Sacrifice South Pacific Tahiti Tahitian Ann Ronan Pictures
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Mammals
> Soricidae
> Navigator
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Fine art
> Arts
> Minimalist artwork
> Monochrome artwork
> Monochrome paintings
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Music
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment of both awe and horror from Captain James Cook's second Pacific voyage. In this scene, English navigator James Cook finds himself in the midst of a chilling human sacrifice ritual on the island of Taihiti (Otaheite) in 1773. The engraving, created by an unknown artist and featured in an 1815 edition of Cook's Voyages, brings to life the intense emotions experienced during this encounter. As we gaze at the image, our eyes are drawn to Cook standing amidst a lush tropical landscape dominated by towering palm trees. His presence as an explorer is juxtaposed with that of the native Tahitians who surround him, their faces filled with anticipation and reverence for their sacred ritual. A lone musician stands nearby, his drum echoing through the air as if marking time for this solemn event. The print transports us back to a time when exploration was intertwined with discovery but also exposed explorers like Cook to unfamiliar customs and practices. It serves as a reminder of how encounters between different cultures can be both enlightening and unsettling. Through this powerful visual representation, we are invited to reflect on the complexities inherent in cross-cultural interactions during the 18th century. It reminds us that history is not just about dates or events but also about individuals like Captain James Cook who ventured into uncharted territories seeking knowledge while witnessing moments that would forever shape our understanding of humanity's diverse tapestry.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
FREE COLORIZATION SERVICE
You can choose advanced AI Colorization for this picture at no extra charge!
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
