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The Chase
The Chase

The Chase

Artist
Date1785 - 1820
Object number00009085
NameTray
MediumOil paint, iron based alloy (metal)
DimensionsOverall: 492 x 677 mm, 1.8 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionTin tray with an oil painting by John Waters titled 'The Chase'. The image depicts the whaleship MARIA of New Bedford flying the United States flag approaching a pod of whales in the Arctic. The MARIA is depicted from the stern, flying a large US flag from mizen mast and a white flag from the main mast. The MARIA was built in 1782 and was still whaling in 1870.HistoryThe 202 tonne MARIA was built at Pembroke, Massachusetts in 1782. She was purchased by William Rotch and sent on a maiden voyage from Nantucket to London in 1785, carrying a cargo of oil. Following this voyage MARIA was employed as a whale ship. During its career as a whaler, MARIA undertook 27 voyages, which included one to the Indian ocean, one to the Falkland Islands, thirteen to Brazil banks (a famous whaling spot), four to London and eighteen to the Pacific ocean. On 24 February 1863 MARIA was sold to Burton & Trumbull in Chile and became MARIA PACHACO. MARIA PACHACO operated as a coaler and whaler until 1870. After a fire on the ship in 1872, MARIA PACHACO was condemned and broken up on Vancouver Island.SignificanceThis tray is important in depicting a whaling scene featuring MARIA - a whaler with an extraordinarly long working life. The MARIA made 27 voyages during its 90 year career, including 18 voyages to the Pacific.