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Whaling Scene at Jan Mayen Island
Major collection: Hart Nautical
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: Churchill, John; Churchill, Awnsham
Place made: United Kingdom, Greater London, London
Date made: 1744
Materials: ink; paper
Measurements: 7 1/4 in x 11 1/2 in
Nomenclature: whaling scene
Classification: whales
AF-WB-0055
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
Object type: engraving
Maker: Churchill, John; Churchill, Awnsham
Place made: United Kingdom, Greater London, London
Date made: 1744
Materials: ink; paper
Measurements: 7 1/4 in x 11 1/2 in
Nomenclature: whaling scene
Classification: whales
Black and white engraving of a whaling scene at Jan Mayen Island, which is noted for its mile-high Beerenberg. The Dutch claimed the island and set up there a "factory" for whaling operations during the summers. The engraving depicts the manner of catching and killing whales. As soon as sailors see a whale from the shore or ship, they put out three rowboats that are manned with six men each, among whom is a designated harpooner. Upon approaching the whale the rowers remain as silent as possible. From "An Account of a Most Dangerous Voyage Perform'd by the Famous Capt. John Monck, in the Years 1619, and 1620" in "A Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. 1, p. 567. (Same set as AF-TB-0056, AF-NB-0315 and AF-NB-0488).
AF-WB-0055