Kapitein Cook landt in Nieuw Holland (Australië) 1803

Lambertus Antonius Claessens made this print depicting 'Captain Cook landing in New Holland' in the late 18th or early 19th century. We see Cook's arrival from a European perspective, as a moment of dramatic encounter, where his men are met with resistance from Aboriginal Australians. Notice the sailors’ weaponry and the Aborigines' spears and shields, signaling conflict and a clash of civilizations. The print was made during a period of intense colonial expansion, and it reflects the European understanding of Australia as "New Holland" and the narrative of exploration and conquest. The depiction of the indigenous people is filtered through a Western lens, shaping perceptions of them and their relationship to the colonizers. By studying such works, we can reveal the power dynamics and social attitudes prevalent at the time. It’s a reminder that art can be a window into the past, reflecting the values, beliefs, and historical context in which it was created.