Arctic Whalers, among the Floes

The American whaling bark “Platina” is shown here among the Arctic ice floes, her mooring secured. Meanwhile in the background, a second whaler is busy boiling whale blubber in try pots, the oil is then siphoned into storage casks, this takes place day and night until the work is completed. Smoke from the tryworks fire creates greasy soot blackening rigging and spars alike. voyages could last several years, ships not returning until the casks are full of the valuable oil.

“Platina” was one of the New Bedford, Massachusetts fleet, built at Mettapoisett in 1847. She was 94ft in lenght and weighed in at 214 tons.

Original Pastel Painting, signed lower right.

Image size 18″ x 27 1/2″ (46 x 70 cm)