En hval 1850

H. C. Henneberg created this small depiction of "En hval," or "A Whale," during the 19th century, a period marked by significant shifts in scientific understanding and human impact on the natural world. During the artist's lifetime, the study of natural history was increasingly influenced by colonial expansion. As scientists and explorers traveled the globe, documenting and classifying new species, this pursuit often intertwined with the exploitation of natural resources. Henneberg's delicate rendering of the whale serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threats to marine life during this period. Rather than portraying the whale as a monstrous beast of the deep, Henneberg focuses on its physical characteristics, rendering it with surprising softness. This engraving invites us to consider our relationship with these majestic creatures and reflect on the consequences of our actions on their habitats.