Charles J Lundgren (New York, Connecticut, 1911 - 1988) "HMS Resolution and HMS Discovery At Nootka, Alaska" Original oil painting on masonite. Signed lower left. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Canada 14c Nootka Sound stamp issued April 26, 1978. Captain James Cook's explorations of Canada's Atlantic and Pacific Coasts and the St. Lawrence River helped shape Canada's future. Having gained favorable notice in his explorations of the St. Lawrence River, Cook went on to produce brilliant charts of the Newfoundland coast which helped to expand the island's fishery and reduce France's power in the area. In 1768 the British admiralty commissioned Cook to lead a scientific expedition to Tahiti; that year was the start of three epic, world-circling voyages which lasted until 1779. Cook's third voyage, organized to seek the legendary "Northwest Passage" from the Pacific side, was, for Canada, the most significant of his voyages. Departing from England in 1776, he sailed into Nootka Sound, part of Vancouver Island, in March 1778. He and his men, including George Vancouver and William Bligh, were the first Europeans to land in that region. They claimed it for Britain and established friendly relations with Chief Maquinna and his Nootka Indians. Then, the audacious Cook sailed north for three thousand miles beyond the Bering Strait in search of the elusive "Passage," but turned back when confronted by massive ice floes. Cook returned to Hawaii for the winter, where an encounter with the natives cost him and four officers their lives. Image Size: 18.25 x 19.75 in. Overall Size: 21 x 23 in. Unframed. (B05177)