Matavai Bay

Landscape view of Matavai Bay on the island of Tahiti, showing HMS Endeavour anchored in the bay, near to Fort Venus, James Cook’s temporary stronghold during observations of the Transit of Venus.

Inscribed above: ‘London. Published by Alexr. Hogg at the King’s Arms No.16 Paternoster Row.’ Inscribed below: ‘Carey sculp. View of Matavia Bay in OTAHEITE, taken from One Tree Hill, which Tree is a New Species of the Erythirina.’

James Cook (1728-1779) British explorer was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1776.