THE DEATH OF CAPTAIN COOK, 1785

This very rare larger format original copper-plate engraving by famed Italian master craftsman Francesco Bartolozzi R.A.(1727-1818) for the figures, and William Byrne (1743-1805) for the landscape, from a painting by John Webber, and published as the Act directs on 1st July 1785 by W.Byrne, 79 Titchfield Street, and J.Webber, No.312 Oxford Street, London

This 1785 edition, slightly reduced in size from the original extremely rare publication in 1784, being likewise issued separately from the authorized accounts of Cook’s third and last voyage, is rarely available for sale; the image represents the best known of John Webber’s artistic records of all of Cook’s voyages

Presented in very good condition, exhibiting an expertly repaired and restored (by Courtland Benson of Victoria, British Columbia in 2005) tear running from the middle lower edge below the plate impression, just into the bottom edge of the engraved image; it is mounted for protection on studio board with covering clear film; image size 25.4 x 37.5cm (10 x 14 3/4in), with overall plate dimensions, to include written description 30.5 x 40.6cm (12 x 16in)