Artwork

Pêche du Cachalot, Cachalot Fishery

Pêche du Cachalot, Cachalot Fishery, by Friedrich von Martens, ink, 1834
Pêche du Cachalot, Cachalot Fishery, by Friedrich von Martens, ink, 1834

Pêche du Cachalot, Cachalot Fishery is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Friedrich von Martens. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Pêche du Cachalot, Cachalot Fishery is a print created by Friedrich von Martens around 1834, combining etching, aquatint, and engraving techniques on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a chaotic whale hunt scene, with a breaching whale surrounded by small boats and harpoon-wielding men. Dark clouds and flying birds fill the sky, conveying tension and intensity.

Technique & Style

The use of dark tones and expressive mark-making contributes to the dramatic atmosphere, characteristic of the Romanticism movement.

History & Provenance

The print is held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.