sketcher and sailor, was a cousin of Elizabeth Cook, wife of the celebrated navigator James Cook, and an uncle of James (Cook) Smith, who painted his portrait. Isaac Smith served in the Endeavour (1768-71) under Captain Cook as seaman, midshipman (23 May 1770) and master’s mate (26 May 1771). He was reputedly the first of Cook’s party to set foot on Australian soil at Botany Bay in 1770. At the end of the voyage Cook reported to the Admiralty that Smith had been useful 'in assisting to make Surveys, Plans, Drawings &c. in which he is very expert’. Smith accompanied Cook on his second voyage in the Resolution (1772-75) as master’s mate. He was one of the group who, according to another member, John Elliott, 'were, when off Watch, Employ’d in Captn Cooks Cabbin either Copying Drawings for him, or Drawings for ourselves, under the Eye of Mr. Hodges [William Hodges].’ Although the Mitchell Library holds a portfolio of drawings once owned by Smith, only one image has been attributed to him with some certainty: a watercolour view of two icebergs painted in the log he kept on board the Resolution. That he executed other works is known not only from Cook’s and Elliott’s references but from his wooden box of watercolours (with colour cakes and brushes extant) in the Museum of London. After returning to Plymouth in the Resolution in 1775, Smith continued his naval career, retiring as post-admiral in 1807.
- Writers:
- Staff Writer
- Date written:
- 1992
- Last updated:
- 2011
