ARTWORKS

James Cook

John Webber (1751–1793)

National Portrait Gallery, London

James Cook

Image credit: National Portrait Gallery, London

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Son of a Yorkshire labourer, Captain James Cook learned seamanship in small East Coast traders. 'A good mathematician and very expert in his business', he was chosen to command the Endeavour in 1768 despite being a warrant officer. While on his third voyage to the Pacific, between 1776 and 1779, he was killed in an attack by Hawaiian natives who had previously worshipped him as a god. This portrait was painted by the official artist to Cook's last voyage, John Webber, who was primarily a topographical painter and shows Cook in his uniform as a naval captain.

National Portrait Gallery, London

London

Read more on National Portrait Gallery, London
Title

James Cook

Date

1776

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 44 x W 35.4 cm

Accession number

26

Acquisition method

Purchased, 1858

Work type

Painting

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Normally on display at

National Portrait Gallery, London

St Martin’s Place, London, Greater London WC2H 0HE England

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Artist or maker

John Webber

1751–1793

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