Whale Oil Lamp c. 1938

Cora Parker rendered this "Whale Oil Lamp" using graphite and colored pencil on paper. Parker was born just before the American Civil War, lived through Reconstruction, and died on the cusp of the twenty-first century. Whale oil lamps, like this one, illuminate a fascinating convergence of culture, industry, and ethics. These lamps, ubiquitous in the 19th century, provided light for homes and businesses but at a cost. The industry decimated whale populations, raising profound questions about human impact on the natural world. Moreover, the dangers faced by those hunting whales is often left out of history. Parker's rendering prompts a contemplation of labor and the environment, challenging us to reflect on the consequences of our choices and the stories objects silently carry.