| | Thumbnail | | Creator | Date | Title / Author / Date / Location | Price | | | Description |
| 8133 |  | Details | Schmuzer, J.J. | 1810 |
| Pair of Walrus Hunting and Whale Processing Engravings |
|
Schmuzer, J.J. |
|
| 1810 |
| LOC:14 |
| $180.00 | Schmuzer--J-J- | Pair-of-Walrus-Hunting-and-Whale-Processing-Engravings | Pair of hand-colored copper engravings attributed to J. J. Schmuzer, also spelled Schmutzer, circa 1810, depicting walrus hunting and shore-based whale processing. The upper scene shows armed hunters in open boats approaching walruses gathered on an icy ledge, with a sailing ship offshore. A large tusked walrus dominates the foreground, surrounded by smaller animals. The plate is numbered T. LX. 168 and captioned "Trichechus rosmarus."
<br><br>The lower print illustrates the stages of processing whales along a mountainous coast. Workers strip blubber from carcasses, carry it ashore and render it in a smoking furnace, while others move barrels for the resulting oil. Boats, horse-drawn carts and additional laborers appear in the distance. Numbered T. LXIX. 181, the scene records the tools, labor and organization involved in historic shore whaling. |
| 8137 |  | Details | Schmuzer, J.J. | 1810 |
| Two Early Depictions of Sperm Whales |
|
Schmuzer, J.J. |
|
| 1810 |
| LOC:14 |
| $120.00 | Schmuzer--J-J- | Two-Early-Depictions-of-Sperm-Whales | Hand-colored natural history print on laid paper illustrating two early representations of sperm whales, numbered 194 and 195 on Plate LXXVI. Both animals are shown in profile on rocky ledges beside the sea. The upper figure has an enormous rounded head, a narrow toothed lower jaw and a small flipper; the lower figure features a more tapered head, an open mouth and a curved jet from its blowhole.<br><br>The exaggerated anatomy and unusual facial details reflect the limited understanding of whales represented in early natural history illustration. Gray and blue coloring contrasts with the reddish mouths and ochre rocks. A manuscript identification beneath the image reads "Physeter macrocephalus," the scientific name of the sperm whale. |
| 8138 |  | Details | Schmuzer, J.J. | 1810 |
| Engraved print depicting three whales in separate coastal scenes |
|
Schmuzer, J.J. |
|
| 1810 |
| LOC:14 |
| $120.00 | Schmuzer--J-J- | Engraved-print-depicting-three-whales-in-separate-coastal-scenes | Hand-colored engraved natural history print on laid paper depicting three whales in separate coastal scenes, numbered 188, 189 and 190 on Plate LXXIII. Each animal is shown in profile on a rocky ledge surrounded by water, allowing comparison of body shape, fins, tails and mouths. The upper and lower figures have curved jets rising from their blowholes, while the lower whale opens its mouth to reveal the baleen.<br><br>The illustrations feature exaggerated heads and facial details characteristic of early representations of whales. Gray and black bodies, pale undersides and pink mouths contrast with the ochre and rose-colored rocks and green sea. Manuscript annotations refer to the historical names "Balaena physalus" and "Balaena boops," recording an attempt to identify the animals using earlier zoological terminology. |