Whale Oil Can c. 1940

Hugh Ryan rendered this "Whale Oil Can" in watercolor around 1936. What might seem like a simple still life actually offers a glimpse into a shifting historical landscape. In 1936, the Institute of American Dairies commissioned Ryan to document the tools and technologies of the American dairy industry. So what is a whale oil can doing in that collection? Whale oil was once widely used for lighting and lubrication but by the early 20th century, petroleum-based products had become more common. The presence of this can suggests a moment of transition, where older practices were giving way to new industrial methods. It invites us to consider the environmental and economic impact of these shifts. To understand this piece, we might research the history of the dairy industry, the rise and fall of whaling, and the development of new technologies. It is through this interdisciplinary approach that we can truly appreciate the cultural significance of even the most humble objects.