Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
The Whaling Ship 'Roscoe' of New Bedford and Two Other Whaling Ships Engaged in Whaling in the Sandwich Islands |
Place of Origin |
Massachusetts, New Bedford |
Artist or Maker |
Nelson, Horatio E.C. |
Date |
late 1830s-1840s |
Materials |
Watercolor and Ink on Paper |
Dimension Details |
Height: 25 1/2" Width: 34 1/2" |
Description |
This watercolor of a whaling scene is painted on the back of an 1832 chart of the Sandwich Islands published in London by Arrowsmith. It depicts the whaleship "Roscoe" under shortened sail cutting in a whale at the ship's side while three of its boats are engaged in whaling activity in the foreground. Two other whaleships are shown in the distance. The painting captures all of the elements of a whale hunt as well as details showing sperm whale behavior, and depicts a generally idealistic view of whaling. Scenes like this were common as whalemen's journal illustrations. The painting is signed "H.E.C. Nelson" in the bottom center. Horatio E.C. Nelson, who lived and worked in Steuben County, New York, combined maps and whaling scenes on at least two objects. This map includes the stamp of William C. Taber, Union Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts--a whaleship supplier. The "Roscoe" was owned by whaling merchant Andrew Robeson (1787-1862) of New Bedford. |
Provenance |
Richard A. Bourne Co., Inc. Hyannis, Massachusetts, August 19, 1971, Lot 625 Purchased by The Dietrich American Foundation (Horace Gordon, Villanova, Pennsylvania, agent), 1971 |
Object Name |
Watercolor |
Object ID |
7.5.911 |
Search Terms |
paintings map maps whaling |