Amateur whaling, or a tale of the Pacific

This dramatic painting depicts a whale hunt in Twofold Bay where the whalers were assisted by pods of Killers whales. The crew of a small boat have successfully harpooned a large Right whale and are pursuing the animal in rough seas. This painting aims to emphasise the danger and adventure of 19th century whaling. In reality whalers were more likely to conduct hunts in better weather conditions.