Shoal of Whales, Hawaiian Islands, Rotch Fleet

silver print of painting

Silver print photograph of a painting by Thomas Birch, from a sketch by C.B. Hulsart; the image has been engraved and colored by J. Hill, and published by Cornelius B. Hulsart. Titled: "A Shoal of Sperm Whale / Off the Island of Hawaii / In which the Ships ENTERPRISE, WM. ROACH, POCAHONTAS, & HOQUAL / Were Engaged 16th Decr. 1833." The four ships depicted and named in the title are from the Rotch family whaling fleet, of Nantucket and New Bedford. Image shows islands in background; fleet of whaling ships in midground; whaleboats in foreground, with crews of men harpooning sperm whales. Hose flags visible on top of ships.