Plate 8. Histoire Naturelle, Cetaces. 3e Genre, Cachalots
Maker
Robert Bénard
(1734 -)
Datec 1784
Object number00019672
NamePrint
MediumInk on paper, mylar, card
DimensionsOverall: 335 x 407 mm, 0.24 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis French drawing depicts six illustrations of a dead female Sperm whale, including a view of its full length body, teeth and nose. It was the most preferred type of whale hunted in the 19th century and its large round head could supply up to 1,890 gallons of oil, used in lamps, candles and mechanical lubricants.HistoryKnowledge of whales by European culture and science was an evolving process. The earliest drawings of the animal show a mythical monster-like creature with horns spouting water. Natural history artists were largely unable to draw from life and instead used descriptions given by explorers, scientists and publishers. Many of their works were copied from earlier drawings and offered only slightly different interpretations of the previous studies. By the 19th century artists were increasingly providing more faithful depictions and moving away from the mythical depiction of whales.
The Sperm whale is the largest of the toothed whales and can be recognised by its large squared-off head. It frequents all the worlds oceans and can dive to depths of 1000 metres in search of squid and fish. The whale became synonymous with Herman Melville's novel Moby Dick, which perpetuated its image as a fearsome aggressive creature. In the 1800s, Sperm whales were a valuable source of ambergris (a waxy substance used in perfumes) and more importantly oil, used in candles and fuels. Whalers’ drastically impacted Sperm whale numbers in the 19th century and despite their subsequent recovery, the whales are currently listed as endangered.
SignificanceThis print is representative of French natural history drawings in the 18th century.
19th century
19th Century
before 1978
Nicolas Francois Martinet
1768
19th century