Captain James Cook, by William Hodges.

Description: For years this lost portrait of Cook was only known from an engraving. It was found by chance at a country house sale in Ireland and bought by the National Maritime Museum in 1986. Upon examination the range of pigments was found to be identical to Hodges' usual palette. The approximate date of the painting was established from the uniform.

Creator: William Hodges

Date: 1775-76

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London