South Sea Whale Fishery

Object summary

Title: South Sea Whale Fishery
Object ID: AF-WB-K022
Date made: 1825
Place made: United Kingdom, Greater London, London
Painter and publisher: Huggins, William John
Engraver: Sutherland, Thomas
Object type: Engraving
Major collection: Nautical
Named collection: Allan Forbes Collection
On view: No

Description

A whaling scene depicting two vessels, Amelia Wilson and Castor. Some narration is given in-plate: "The Head of a large Whale in the Agonies of Death.," "A Boat destroy'd by a Wounded Whale." Depicts whaling activities off the Indonesian island of Buru, near present-day Suluwesi. At the time the expression "South Sea fishery" related to all oceans below the southern tip of Greenland.

Below image: "London, Published January 1, 1825 by W.J. Huggins, Marine Painter; No. 105 Leadenhall St. (late form no. 36)."

Extended title: "A representation of the Ships Amelia Wilson & Castor off the island of Bouro, with their boats & Crew in the various process of Fishing, shewing the manner The Spermacetti Whales are caught, also the manner of cutting them into the Ship & Boiling the Oil upon deck. This plate is most respectfully dedicated to Ph. Skelton, And.w Stirton, Wm. Nichols Esqrs, owners of the said ships by their most obedient humble servant W.J. Huggins."

Various stages of the whale hunt are depicted in the foreground: crewmen pose to harpoon a whale; others wait for the whale to die before hauling them to the main whaleship; and some are thrown into the water after their boat got attacked by a wounded whale.