Kapitein Cook landt in Nieuw Holland (Australië) 1803

This engraving by Lambertus Antonius Claessens depicts the arrival of Captain James Cook in Australia in 1770. The scene is dynamic, showing the moment of Captain Cook's landing on the east coast of Australia with a group of indigenous Australians gathered around him. The artist utilizes a dramatic chiaroscuro technique in his rendering of the encounter between Europeans and the native Australians. The engraving highlights the historical importance of Captain Cook’s voyage, which marked the beginning of European contact with the continent. This artwork, titled “Kapitein Cook landt in Nieuw Holland (Australië)” is a fine example of the Dutch artist's work during the early 19th century.