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Frontispiece to 'Account of the Arctic Regions' by W Scoresby: Dangers of the Whale Fishery, 1820 (engraving)
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Frontispiece to 'Account of the Arctic Regions' by W Scoresby: Dangers of the Whale Fishery, 1820 (engraving)
7295577 Frontispiece to 'Account of the Arctic Regions' by W Scoresby: Dangers of the Whale Fishery, 1820 (engraving) by Lizars, William Home (1788-1859); 20.7x22.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: engraving by William Home Lizars after James Waddel
Whaling could be a very dangerous business - as this frontispiece from 'Account of the Arctic Regions' (1820), by W. Scoresby, shows. Whale boats were frequently upset by the thrashing of the whale when it was harpooned. For this reason, early whalers preferred to hunt the 'Right whale', which was easier to catch. When the 'Right whale' became scarce, whalers had to hunt the larger whales, in particular the Sperm whale. Larger whales would pull boats after them, even if they dived deeply.); © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Media ID 38175692
© © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking engraving by William Home Lizars depicts the dangers faced by whalers in the Arctic regions during the 19th century. The scene captures a harrowing moment as a whale boat is overturned by the thrashing of a massive humpback whale. The men on board are at the mercy of the powerful creature, illustrating the perilous nature of their hunt.
Whaling was not for the faint of heart, with risks including capsizing boats and being dragged under by diving whales. Early whalers targeted Right whales for their relative ease of capture, but as populations dwindled, they turned to larger species like Sperm whales. These behemoths could easily overpower a small boat and drag it along in pursuit.
The image serves as a stark reminder of the bravery and skill required to engage in such dangerous work. It also highlights the destructive impact that human activity can have on marine life. As we look back on this historical practice with modern eyes, we are reminded of our responsibility to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures for future generations.
This engraving from 'Account of the Arctic Regions' is not just a piece of art but a window into a challenging chapter in maritime history that continues to resonate today.
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