Portrait of Captain James King, commander of Discovery during Cook's third voyage (1782)

The sitter, James King, appears with silver‑white hair, a dark blue coat trimmed in gilt, and a composed expression. His pose, turned slightly to the left against a muted backdrop, emphasizes his rank and the dignified bearing expected of a commander during the age of exploration.

Webber employed oil pigments to achieve subtle gradations of tone, allowing the fabric’s gold detailing and the sitter’s facial features to emerge with clarity. Though linked to the Rococo movement, the work restrains ornamental excess, favoring a sober palette that highlights the subject’s authority rather than decorative flourish.

The portrait was executed shortly after Webber’s return from Cook’s third voyage, during which he served as the expedition’s artist. After changing hands over the ensuing century, the painting entered the National Library of Australia, where it remains accessible for research and public display.

Webber’s career is defined by his visual documentation of the Pacific, including scenes from Australasia, Hawaii, and Alaska. This portrait situates him within the broader British tradition of recording naval figures, reflecting the empire’s interest in commemorating the individuals who expanded its geographic knowledge.