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WEBBER, John (1752-1793) artist [London: G. Nicol & T. Cadell, 1784]. A Man of the Sandwich Islands, Dancing. Etched and engraved by C. Grignion after a drawing by Webber. Image size: 10 1/4 x 7 inches. Sheet size: 16 ½ x 14 inches. Lightly toned, faint tide mark upper right margin, faint foxing right margin, else excellent with a strong impression. Cook’s third voyage (1776 to 1780) ranks among the most productive in the annals of exploration, during which he mapped major portions of the South Pacific as well New Zealand and the American Northwest. Yet, Cook regarded his discovery of the Hawaiian as one of his most important achievements. In a wrenchingly sad turn of events, Cook was killed in Hawaii in a skirmish with natives; Cook had demonstrated in his explorations sensitivity and intelligence in dealing with native peoples.
The first English edition of one of the most striking, Hawaiian images from Cook’s fatal third voyage. In the image a smiling, neatly coiffed, young, muscular man dances what was then a sacred dance called Hula. In his right hand he holds a feather covered gourd. Virtually nude, he wears only a bark cloth "malo" or loin cloth, a coral necklace and dogtooth leggings. His body is tattooed in rhythmic patterns that flow down his arms and legs.
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