Kirkall Collection

Whale or Greenland Fishery, 1720, (1946). Creator: Elisha Kirkall
Whale or Greenland Fishery, 1720, (1946). British whaling ships off the coast of Greenland: sailors in small rowing boats hunt whales with harpoons; men attack a polar bear at bottom left

Elisha Kirkall after Willem van de Velde the Elder, English, (c. 1682-1742), Shipping Scene from the Collection of Alexander Nisbit, 1720s

Elisha Kirkall, English, (c. 1682-1742), The Boasting Traveler, metalcut

Elisha Kirkall after Willem van de Velde the Younger (English, c. 1682 - 1742), Fight in 1672, 1720s, mezzotint and etching printed in green and black on laid paper

Elisha Kirkall after Willem van de Velde the Elder (English, c. 1682 - 1742), Shipping Scene from the Collection of Hugo Howard, 1720s, mezzotint and etching printed in green and black on laid paper

CATALOGUS PLANTARUM, 1730. Large cluster pine. Mezzotint by Elisha Kirkall after a drawing by Jacob van Huysum, from Catalogus Plantarum, London, 1730

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"Kirkall: A Captivating Glimpse into the Whale and Greenland Fishery" Step back in time to the year 1720, when Elisha Kirkall, a talented English artist, created a series of captivating artworks that depicted scenes from the renowned Whale and Greenland Fishery. Inspired by the works of Willem van de Velde the Elder and Younger, Kirkall skillfully brought these maritime adventures to life. With meticulous attention to detail, Kirkall's engravings transport us to an era where brave sailors embarked on treacherous voyages in pursuit of whales. These magnificent creatures were not only sought after for their valuable blubber but also played a significant role in providing essential resources for various industries. In one particular artwork titled "The Boasting Traveler, " Kirkall showcases his versatility as an artist by using metalcut techniques. This piece captures the essence of a traveler regaling tales of his daring exploits at sea, perhaps inspired by real-life experiences witnessed during this golden age of exploration. Kirkall's dedication to capturing every nuance is evident throughout his body of work. Whether it be depicting turbulent waves crashing against sturdy ships or showcasing skilled fishermen expertly maneuvering harpoons towards their colossal prey, each engraving tells its own unique story. As we delve deeper into Kirkall's collection, we discover multiple renditions featuring both Willem van de Velde the Elder and Younger's original compositions. It becomes apparent that Kirkall was deeply influenced by these esteemed Dutch painters who specialized in marine artistry. Through his masterful craftsmanship and collaboration with Van de Velde's iconic works, Elisha Kirkall successfully immortalized this fascinating chapter in maritime history. His engravings serve as timeless reminders of humanity's relentless pursuit for adventure and prosperity amidst challenging circumstances. So join us on this visual journey through time as we explore "Kirkall: A Captivating Glimpse into the Whale and Greenland Fishery.