Europeans who set out to explore the Pacific entered a vast and little known domain, potentially replete with riches, wonders and danger. As with space exploration in our own age, the business of exploring the globe attracted great national enthusiasm. Here Louis XVI is depicted giving final instructions to Compte de la Pérouse, in 1785. La Pérouse's expedition ended in shipwreck and tragedy in 1788—an outcome which caused great upset in France.
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