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The Capture of a Whale
Major collection: Hart Nautical
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: unknown
Place made: United Kingdom
Date made: 1700-1799
Materials: ink; paper
Measurements: 7 3/4 in x 9 1/4 in
Nomenclature: natural history
Classification: whales
AF-NX-2249
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: unknown
Place made: United Kingdom
Date made: 1700-1799
Materials: ink; paper
Measurements: 7 3/4 in x 9 1/4 in
Nomenclature: natural history
Classification: whales
Monochrome engraving of a beached whale with men climbing atop it. Two men at right, behind the whale's tail, are stretching out a cord along it, perhaps to measure it or pull back some skin. In the center of the composition, a man climbs up the side of the whale. Atop the whale, a man raises a hatchet, and two others are seen at the top of ladders on the other side of the animal. Underneath the image is the title, "The Capture of a Whale." Background, done in simple sketchlike outlines, shows a mountainous coastline, a ship, and a rowboat.
AF-NX-2249