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Bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus
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Bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus
Bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus, being hunted by whalers with harpoons. Engraving by Fournier after an illustration by Edouard Travies from Charles d Orbignys Dictionnaire Universel d Histoire Naturelle (Dictionary of Natural History), Paris, 1849
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Media ID 23197352
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Balaena Bowhead Dhistoire Dictionary Dictionnaire Dorbigny Edouard Fournier Harpoon Mysticetus Naturelle Travies Universel Whale Whaler Whaling
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "The Pursuit of the Bowhead Whale: A Historical Depiction of Whaling" This engraving, created by Fournier after an illustration by Edouard Travies, offers a glimpse into the past of whaling culture as depicted in the "Dictionnaire Universel d'Histoire Naturelle" (Universal Dictionary of Natural History) by Charles d'Orbigny, published in Paris in 1849. The image portrays a Bowhead whale, scientifically known as Balaena mysticetus, being hunted by determined whalers. The Bowhead whale, a large baleen whale, is renowned for its distinctive rounded head, which makes up about one-third of its body length. Its thick layer of blubber and the absence of a dorsal fin make it an ideal target for whalers. In this engraving, we see whalers skillfully launching harpoons at the whale, which is shown breaching the surface of the water, providing an opportunity for the hunters to strike. The Bowhead whale was, and still is, a significant species in the history of whaling. Its large size and the abundance of blubber made it a valuable resource for indigenous communities and commercial whaling operations alike. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the historical relationship between humans and these magnificent creatures. The intricate details in the engraving, from the whalers' clothing and equipment to the anatomy of the Bowhead whale, provide a fascinating insight into the whaling practices of the 19th century. The image also highlights the importance of natural history documentation and the role it plays in understanding the past and preserving the knowledge for future generations.
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