After leaving Hawaii the Resolution and Discovery set a course for the Northwest American Coast. They made their landfall at present day Oregon and immediately began their survey as they sailed along the coast northward. At this time the old Resolution was in need of a major refit. There had been no safe harbor at Kauai so they had sailed on. Now as they surveyed and charted the coast, the eyes of the expedition was ever on the look out for a safe harbor. Foul weather forced the expedition off shore numerous times. When they reached Cape Flattery, bad weather and disability caused them to miss Juan de Fuca Straits, and they were forced off shore once more as high winds and waves punished them further. It wasn't until March 31, 1778, that they were able to approach a land of tall fir forests and snow capped mountains. They steered for a large bay that promised the first protection since leaving Tahiti. Nootka Indians came out in canoes to welcome these strange ships and gave long orations of greetings. By taking the southern arm of the bay Captain Cook was able to find a small cove, well protected from ocean swells, and with an abundance of tall strait trees to supply timber for repairs and spars.
The painting shows the Resolution as she is being towed into “Resolution Cove”. Hawsers (heavy anchoring ropes) are being brought from shore while her anchor has been dropped and the cable fed out. In the fore ground two Nootka Indian women prepare a meal of roasted fish, while a hungry man with a good sense of smell is willing to join in the feast. The painting is a study of not just the technique of bringing an eighteenth century vessel to a mooring, but also of the Nootka Indian culture.

Image Size: 22" X 17" ; unf...$4000.00 (VERY LOW INVENTORY)