Steele, Louis John 1843-1918 :Arrival of Captain Cook; an incident at the Bay of Islands [ / figures by L J Steel and landscape by Kennett Watkins. Auckland, Wilson & Horton for the Auckland Weekly News, 1890]

Accompanying text from the "Auckland Weekly News", 20/12/1890, p.10: "The incident of the picture represents Captain Cook's landing at a spot in the Bay of Islands ... The Captain is explaining to the Maori chief the different uses of the bullets and small shot he holds in his hand; that the one is intended to kill men, and that the other is for birds &c.; that he need not be afraid about his brother who was only wounded with the latter by shot from a gun that was fired only to intimidate them &c. The authority for Captain Cook's costume is taken from his own portrait in the Library, and of the seaman at his back from authenticated plates of that period. The reason that the Captain is represented as in full-dress is this: that it was his custom to dress on going on shore in order to impress the natives. The picture is painted by Mr L.J.Steel [sic] and Mr K.Watkin [sic]. Mr Steel painted the figures and Mr Watkin the landscape part."

A group of Maori, including a seated woman are to the left of the view, their weapons beside them. Cook and a sailor are standing to the centre and right, with a rowboat with further sailors behind them and the Endeavour moored beyond them.

Other Titles - Louis John Steele and Kennett Watkins

Extended Title - Supplement to the Auckland Weekly News, Christmas number, 20 December 1890.

Quantity: 1 colour art print(s).

Physical Description: Chromolithograph 342 x 233, partially covered with glued on mat 430 x 310 mm