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

George Baxter made this print, "The Massacre of the Lamented Missionary the Rev. J. Williams and Mr. Harris," using color woodblocks and oil-based inks. The image exemplifies the fraught encounter between European missionaries and indigenous populations in the 19th century. The scene depicts the violent deaths of Reverend John Williams and Mr. Harris at the hands of islanders, presenting a narrative of savagery versus civilization that was typical of colonialist attitudes at the time. Baxter's print, made in England, feeds into the religious fervor of the time. Yet, the image also reflects an imperialistic view of indigenous peoples as barbaric. This artwork creates meaning through cultural references and historical associations that were prevalent in Western societies. To fully grasp the complexities of this work, we must dive into the context of 19th-century colonialism. Researching missionary archives, colonial records, and the art of the Pacific Islanders would provide a richer understanding. We can better understand the role of art as a reflection of ever-changing social and institutional contexts.