5 John Hawkesworth / Robert Benard - Map of the Society Islands - French Edition of the First Mapping of the Society Islands

This hand-coloured map of the Society Islands - the French edition of the first map revealing the exploration of these islands by then-Lieutenant James Cook during his first Pacific voyage. Now part of French Polynesia, the map shows the islands of Maupiti (Maurua on the map), Tupai (Tubai), Bora Bora (Bolabola), Tahaa (Otaha), Raiatea (Ulieta) and Huaheine. Cook's visit was the Islands' first contact with Europeans; Cook discussed in his journal the naming of the 'Society Islands: 'So call'd by the Natives and it was not thought advisable to give them any other names but these three together with Huaheine, Tubai, and Maura as they lay contiguous to one another I have named Society Isles .' Topography of each of the islands is shown pictorially, including reefs, mountains, and valleys. Depth soundings and anchorages are shown for Huaheine, Raiatea and Otaha. Engraved by Bernard for the 1774 French edition of John Hawkesworth's Account of the Voyages..., in which this was contained as Plate 1 in Volume III. Publication History and Census This map was engraved by Robert Bénard for the 1774 French edition of James Hawkesworth's Relation des voyages entrepris par ordre de Sa Majeste britannique actuellement regnante, an account of Cook's voyages. The separate engraving appears to be neglected by institutional collections, appearing only in the National Library of Australia. The full text is well represented in institutional collections.

John Hawkesworth (1715–1773) was an English writer, journalist, and editor, best known for his work as the editor of The Voyages of Captain James Cook. He gained prominence in the 18th century for his literary contributions to travel writing and exploration. Hawkesworth is perhaps most famous for editing and compiling the published accounts of Captain Cook's first voyage to the Pacific (1768–1771), which included The Voyages of Captain Cook.

Robert Benard (1734–1775) was a French engraver and draftsman, best known for his architectural and decorative engravings. He is widely regarded for his work in the field of architecture and his contributions to the representation of classical and neoclassical design. Benard was involved in creating engravings for several influential publications during the 18th century, including works on architecture, ornamentation, and interior design. His engravings were highly detailed and showed a refined understanding of both structure and decorative elements, making his works important resources for the study of architecture during the period.

Artist or Maker: 

Robert Benard / John Hawkesworth

Dimensions:

29 cm x 43 cm 

Medium: 

Engraving

Date: 

1774