Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "Ship Resolution & Discovery of Hawaii" Signed lower right. Oil on Masonite.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 13c Captain James Cook stamp issued in 1978.

After being thwarted in his search for a Northwest Passage, Cook returned to Hawaii for the winter in December, 1778. He had never encountered the Hawaii natives who, when they saw Cook, took him for a god. Cook's ships were swamped by natives who came to greet Cook and his men. Within a few days, however, the Hawaiians began to doubt the divine nature of their visitors. The disillusionment really began when an old seaman died and was buried ashore. Wrote one of Cook's men, "Watman's death destroyed their previous belief in our immortality, and this being lost, their reverence for us was gone." The Hawaiians began to resent Cook's presence, for they had smothered these "gods" with numerous gifts and fine food. Tension mounted, and both sides were relieved when Cook's ships departed. Three days out to sea, a gale damaged the Resolution's foremast and Cook was forced to return to Kealakekua Bay. This time there was no welcome party. In fact, incidents between Cook's men and the natives became commonplace. Then the Discovery's cutter was stolen by a native. On February 14, 1779, Cook and some of his men went ashore to straighten the matter out. Cook's intentions toward the natives were not hostile, but lack of communication and the already established resentment ruled the meeting. Hostility gave way to violence and in the ensuing riot Cook and four marines lost their lives. It was a regretful and senseless death for the greatest sea explorer of all time.

Image Size: 18.75 x 18.25 in.
Overall Size: 25 x 27 in.
Unframed.
(B06323)

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25 x 27 in