The Massacre of the Lamented Missionary the Rev. J. Williams and Mr. Harris 1841

George Baxter's 1841 chromolithograph, "The Massacre of the Lamented Missionary the Rev. J. Williams and Mr. Harris", depicts the gruesome death of two missionaries at the hands of indigenous islanders. The scene is full of dramatic tension, with the missionaries struggling in the water while the attackers, wielding clubs and spears, close in. This depiction of the event is highly detailed, with an emphasis on the violent actions of the islanders, fueling a popular narrative of the "savage" natives. The artwork has been controversial, with some arguing that it reinforces colonial stereotypes. Today, "The Massacre of the Lamented Missionary the Rev. J. Williams and Mr. Harris" is a historical document, showcasing 19th-century perceptions of colonialism and missionary work in the South Pacific.