This original antique print is an engraving titled "The Murder of CAPT. COOK at O-Why-e-e." This historical print depicts the moment of Captain James Cook's death at Kealakekua Bay on the island of Hawaii, which was historically referred to as "Owhyhee" or "O-Why-e-e."
In the scene, Captain Cook is shown at the center of a violent encounter, with one hand raised—possibly in a gesture of defense or command—facing the Hawaiian Islanders who are depicted as agitated and armed with weapons. European sailors and marines are illustrated to the left, attempting to protect Cook or retaliate, while the right side of the engraving is filled with more islanders in motion, some with raised arms. The background includes a view of the shore with a ship, likely one of Cook's vessels, anchored in the bay.
This event took place in 1779, during Cook's third Pacific voyage, and the engraving serves as a dramatic representation of the final moments of one of the most famous explorers of the 18th century. The imagery reflects the European perspective of the encounter, which was often reproduced in travel narratives and history books following Cook's death.
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