Flensing the Whale: Dèpècement d'une Baleine.

Repro ID: A3087

Description: Once dead, the whale was brought alongside ship and long strips, called 'blanket pieces', were cut from the carcass and hauled by block and tackle onto the deck. This process was called 'flensing'. The 'blanket piece' was then cut into small blocks and melted in heated iron pots known as 'try-works'. Heating produced whale oil which was stowed in casks in the hull of the ship. This illustration was published as part of the 'France Maritime' series.

Creator: M. Bouquet (artist), Rouargue (engraver)

Date: 19th Century

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London