Vaitepiha Bay, Tahiti, by William Hodges.

Vaitepiha Bay, Tahiti. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: BHC2396

Description: This bay was the location of Cook's first anchorage in Tahiti. Hodges has painted a scene suggesting harmony and tranquillity. Nothing appears to disturb the idyllic view where two women are bathing. However, he has introduced a bier, a framework for carrying a corpse, in the background and a totem, reminders of mortality and death.

Creator: William Hodges

Date: 1776

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London