Friday lates: Cook must fall! Portraits of Captain James Cook, new and old

What is the course about?

The varied ways in which Cook has been portrayed over the centuries provide us with a fascinating platform to think about the complicated relationships that have emerged out of Britain and what used to be thought of as its imperial possessions. This session will examine a range of iconic portrayals of Cook starting with the work of British artists working the eighteenth century and ending with the work of First Nations artists, including Gordon Bennett, Daniel Boyd, and Vincent Namatjira.

What will we cover?

• An introduction to Cook, his life and achievements.
• A discussion of Cook’s legacy through his depiction in portrait.
• A discussion of the man and the figurehead.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

· Describe the importance of Cook’s voyages in the history of Britain and its colonies.

· Identify a range of portraits of Cook.
· Discuss the relationship between the portrait and the person portrayed
· Discuss the role of art in the struggle for Indigenous Rights.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for all levels.

You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations and should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, including chat, microphone and camera.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught with lecture and slide presentation. This course includes an active discussion element, with time for Q&A. This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Indigenous Australian art: an introduction
Art and critical theory: Indigenous 'art' and colonial systems.