File:William Hodges, View of the Province of Oparree (Pare), Island of Otaheite, with part of the Island of Eimeo (Moorea).jpg

English: View of the Province of Oparree [Pare], Island of Otaheite, with part of the Island of Eimeo [Moorea]. Hodges's paintings of the Pacific celebrate British exploration. He was appointed by the Admiralty to record the places discovered on Cook's second voyage, undertaken in the 'Resolution' and 'Adventure', 1772-75. This was primarily in the form of drawings, many later converted to engravings in the official account of the voyage. He also did some oil paintings on the voyage but most, especially the larger ones, were painted in London on his return. The National Maritime Museum holds 26 oils relating to the voyage of which 24 were either painted for or acquired by the Admiralty. Cook's main purpose on this expedition was to locate, if possible, the much talked-of but unknown Southern Continent and further expand knowledge of the central Pacific islands, in which Hodges' records of coastal profiles were in part important for navigational reasons. This panoramic view of Tahiti’s northern shoreline and neighbouring islands is remarkably free in style. The placement of the islanders’ canoe, cut off by the bottom edge, is very unusual and adds to the sense of vastness. This is probably the pendant to ‘A View of the Monuments of Easter Island [Rapanui]' (BHC1795). Both are painted on panel and are of identical dimensions. Their extraordinarily free handling and broad brushwork may indicate that they were intended to be hung high, perhaps as over-doors.