De Groenlandsche visserij 1806 - 1830

Johan Noman’s print, "De Groenlandsche Visserij", captures the Dutch whaling industry, a significant, yet brutal, enterprise of the 18th and 19th centuries. It is a set of four images that serve as a window into the political economy of that time, revealing the complex interplay between commerce, colonialism, and environmental exploitation. The scenes show ships braving icy waters, a stark reminder of the perils faced by sailors, while also hinting at the violence inflicted on the whales. This industry, driven by profit, transformed both human and animal lives, as these sea mammals were reduced to mere commodities. Noman’s work, while seemingly documenting a trade, evokes questions about the ethics of resource extraction. It invites us to reflect on how historical practices continue to shape our relationship with the natural world today. The print becomes more than just a historical record, it is an emotional landscape reflecting humanity's complex relationship with nature, commerce, and morality.