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The Brig Hope
off Kohala
Snowcapped
mountains and cascading waterfalls, May 30, 1791
The image of a lone American ship proudly
flying the Stars and Stripes as she sails through unknown
waters is a timely work; as it seems to capture the renewed
spirit of patriotism in our country. Above the towering cliffs,
we can see the snowcapped tip of Mauna Kea, a grand vista
rarely encountered. So fetching was the view, Captain Joseph
Ingraham, wrote in the ship's log on May 22, 1791:
"This snow is no doubt the source from
which the innumerable and vast cascades of water flow which
adorn this side of the island. I have counted thirty-five
[waterfalls] at one view. They form a picturesque appearance.
In my weak judgment, many views on the North side of the island
of Owhyhee [Hawaii] form subjects that are worthy to be drawn
by the greatest painters."
Ingraham's voyage through the islands was
made at the height of a fierce civil war being waged by Owhyhee's
King Kamehameha, against Maui and Oahu. A war that would ultimately
lead to Kamehameha's annexation of the entire chain. The little
but mighty "Hope" armed with extraordinary firepower
took great care not to fall prey to the same fate as "The
Fair American," which was captured by Kamehameha's forces.
Aboard the "Hope" making his return
voyage to Hawaii was the Hawaiian lad, Opi'e', one of the
first two Hawaiians to sail around the world.
22 x 33 in. giclée on canvas - 250
edition (25 AP hand enhanced)
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