John Webber was the official artist for Cook's third voyage (1776-1779). The son of a sculptor, he had been trained both in Paris and at the Royal Academy schools. Click on the portrait of Webber to the right to view a larg er image of 16391 bytes.

After having made a general view of their habitations, I sought for an inside, which might furnish me with sufficient matter to convey a perfect idea of the mode in which these people live. Such was soon found. While I was employed, a man approached me wi th a large knife in his hand, seemingly displeased, when he observed that my eyes were fixed on two representations of human figures, which were placed at one end of the apartment, carved on planks, of a gigantic proportion, and painted after their custom . However, I took as little notice of him as possible, and proceeded; to prevent which, he soon provided himself with a mat, and placed it in such a manner as to hinder my having any longer a sight of them. Being pretty certain that I could have no futur e opportunity to finish my drawing, and the object being too interesting to be omitted, I considered that a little bribery might probably have some effect. Accordingly, I made an offer of a button from my coat, which, being of metal, I thought they would be pleased with. This, instantly, produced the desired effect. For the mat was removed, and I was left at liberty to proceed as before. Scarcely had I seated myself, and made a beginning, when he returned and renewed his former practice, continuing it til l I had parted with every single button; and when he saw that he had completely stripped me, I met with no farther obstruction.

	A man of Nootka Sound Click on the thumbnail to see a full size image of 19482 bytes MMBC 5143P
	A woman of Nootka Sound Click on the thumbnail to see a full size image of 14255 bytes MMBC 5142P
	A set of native objects Click on the thumbnail to see a full size image of 27517 bytes

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