Pêche de la Baleine, Whale-Fishery

About this work

This print shows a dramatic scene of a whale hunt at sea. A massive whale breaches the waves, spouting water, while a small boat full of men rows furiously nearby. In the background, a large ship burns, sending smoke into the sky, and seabirds circle the chaos. The waves crash around the boat, making the water look wild and dangerous. The title at the bottom, *Pêche de la Baleine* (French for "whale-fishing"), hints this is about the risky work of hunting whales. The mix of action and danger fits the style of the time—artists often made dramatic scenes to stir emotions. Next, look up etching to see how artists like this one used sharp tools to create detailed prints.