James Cook op audiëntie bij George III 1790

This engraving, made by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, captures James Cook at the court of George III. Observe the symbolic weight carried by the figure of Cook himself, and the 'noble savage' at his side. These figures stand in stark contrast to the refined European court, embodying a tension between civilization and the exotic 'other'. The motif of the 'noble savage' has roots stretching back to classical antiquity, often romanticized as embodying natural virtue, free from the corruption of society. Yet, we see this image evolve – or perhaps devolve – in later centuries into justifications for colonial exploitation. The act of presentation itself, with Cook as the mediator, is a powerful symbol of the era’s colonial ambitions. It taps into a deep, subconscious desire to understand and dominate the unknown. The image encapsulates a moment of cultural collision. It serves as a potent reminder of how symbols can be both timeless and tragically transformed across historical contexts.