a Whale Swims Between Two Icebergs, Where It is Crushed. the Whalers Manage to Cut the Wire in Time and Save Themselves 

This wood engraving depicts a whale caught between two icebergs, with whalers desperately trying to free themselves from the impending crush. The dramatic scene, possibly inspired by a real event, is typical of the Victorian era’s fascination with scientific exploration and the dangers of the natural world. The artist, Edouard Riou, was a well-known illustrator and graphic artist whose work frequently appeared in popular magazines of the time. The detailed depiction of the whale’s struggle and the frantic activity of the whalers is meant to evoke a sense of danger and suspense.