Harpooned Collection

An engraving depicting the harpooning of a whale in the Arctic seas, 19th century
5310687 An engraving depicting the harpooning of a whale in the Arctic seas, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1896); Universal History Archive/UIG

An engraving depicting a harpooned sperm whale off the coast of the West Indies, 19th century
5311024 An engraving depicting a harpooned sperm whale off the coast of the West Indies, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1896); Universal History Archive/UIG

An engraving depicting a harpooned whale sounding, 19th century
5311023 An engraving depicting a harpooned whale sounding, 19th century; (add.info.: Date: 1896); Universal History Archive/UIG

Gigantic "Cuttle-fish"hooked by the French Steamer "Alecton"in the coast off Tenerife in 1861
473212 Gigantic " Cuttle-fish" hooked by the French Steamer " Alecton" in the coast off Tenerife in 1861, 1881 (litho) by British School

Steamers as Whalers, 1890s (engraving)
1147289 Steamers as Whalers, 1890s (engraving) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark Pictures; out of copyright

The Living Bait (Colour Litho)
2778512 The Living Bait (Colour Litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info.: The living bait. The islanders of Kishm, in the Persian Gulf)

The Giant Squid Caught by the Alecton off the Coast of Tenerife, 30th November 1861
CHT211971 The Giant Squid Caught by the Alecton off the Coast of Tenerife, 30th November 1861, engraved by Leblanc & Picart (colour litho) by Rodolphe, E

Whaling ships, from Jacob Segersz van der Brugges Journael, 1634 (woodcut)
1147287 Whaling ships, from Jacob Segersz van der Brugges Journael, 1634 (woodcut) by Dutch School, (17th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark American Pictures; Dutch, out of copyright

Using a harpoon gun from a fast steamboat, 1890s (engraving)
1147291 Using a harpoon gun from a fast steamboat, 1890s (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark Pictures; German, out of copyright

A whaler with boat fast to a fish (with the gun harpoon), 1880s (engraving)
1147286 A whaler with boat fast to a fish (with the gun harpoon), 1880s (engraving) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark Pictures; out of copyright

Fast to a Whale (whalers securing to their quarry by a harpoon line)
1147280 Fast to a Whale (whalers securing to their quarry by a harpoon line), for The Perils and Romance of Whaling in Century Magazine, August 1890 (litho) by Taber, W

The German Emperor's Whaling Cruise in the North Sea, off Skaaro, published in The Graphic, 6th August 1892 (litho)
1147295 The German Emperor's Whaling Cruise in the North Sea, off Skaaro, published in The Graphic, 6th August 1892 (litho) by Somerville, D.M.C

Whalers in Pursuit Date: 1948

Steamer Orion - Pacific Whaling Company, Victoria, B. C
Steamer Orion - Pacific Whaling Company, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Date: circa 1910s

Shark Fishing, 1885 (w / c on paper)
XBP228820 Shark Fishing, 1885 (w/c on paper) by Homer, Winslow (1836-1910); Private Collection; Photo eBoltin Picture Library; American, out of copyright

19th Century whale hunt. Historical German engraving of a Russian whaling ship that has harpooned a whale, E. Magdebian (circa 1890)

Catching a Whale off Deptford Pier, London, 1842
Engraving showing a 15 foot, 2 ton, whale being caught at Deptford Pier, London, in 1842. This whale had been swimming down the River Thames when it was sighted by watermen on the pier

Teapot Dome Scandal / 1924
The Teapot Dome scandal, the oil reserve scandal that began under President Harding in 1921, surfaces like a whale to be harpooned

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"Harpooned: The Thrilling Hunt for Giants of the Deep" Embarking on a perilous journey, whalers throughout history have sought to conquer the mighty creatures lurking beneath the ocean's surface. A singular clash between man and beast unfolds in vivid detail through captivating lithographs and engravings. In 1861, off the coast of Tenerife, a French Steamer named "Alecton" became entangled in an epic battle with a gigantic "Cuttle-fish. " Witnessed by many, this monumental encounter was immortalized in a stunning lithograph that captures the sheer power and intensity of the struggle. Steamers transformed into formidable whaling vessels during the 1890s. Armed with harpoons, they ventured into treacherous waters to pursue their elusive prey. An engraving from this era showcases these steam-powered hunters as they set out on their daring expeditions. The artistry continues to depict every facet of this dangerous pursuit. From colorful lithographs showcasing living bait used to lure these leviathans closer, to detailed woodcuts illustrating whaling ships from centuries past – each image tells its own tale of bravery and adventure. One particular event forever etched in maritime history occurred on November 30th, 1861. The Alecton triumphantly captured a colossal Giant Squid off the coast of Tenerife. This extraordinary feat is commemorated through striking imagery that transports us back to that fateful day. As technology advanced, so did hunting techniques. Engravings from the 1890s reveal how harpoon guns were employed from fast steamboats – enabling whalers to strike swiftly and accurately at their formidable adversaries. With boat fastened tightly to their quarry by harpoon lines, brave sailors risked life and limb as they secured themselves amidst thrashing waves while attempting to subdue these magnificent creatures.