Price: SOLD
SKU: 86513
PUBLISHER: Boston Published by E. J. Lane and J. How.
MEDIUM: Copper plate engraving,
DATE: c.1817.
EDITION SIZE: Image size 11 3/8 x 15 3/4" (29 x 40 cm).
DESCRIPTION: In a compilation of sightings printed in the "Boston Weekly Messenger,' it was further reported that the creature was sixty to seventy feet in length, wide as a barrel and that it moved rapidly in a serpentine fashion. It was able to double back upon itself instantaneously AND was "full of joints and resemble[d] a string of buoys on a net." All attempts to kill or capture it ,including shooting a musket at it from close range failed. In August, 1817, the New England Linnaean Society decided to conduct an investigation and noted that it was said to “resemble a serpent in its general form and motions, to be of immense size, and to move with wonderful rapidity; to appear on the surface only in calm, bright weather; and to seem jointed or like a number of buoys or casks following each other in a line.” Sewall Toppan, master of the Gloucester schooner, Laura,, reported on Sept. 1 1817, “I have been to sea many years and never saw any fish that had the least resemblance to this animal.” This engraving was produced in Boston and shows the supposed creature. Gloucester is shown in the background,with citizens rowing out armed with guns, spears, gaffs, and boat hooks, in order to try to kill or capture it. Directly behind the beast is a fishing net and buoys likely shown for comparison. .
ADDITIONAL INFO: Printed on watermarked paper “T G & Co.” This paper was manufactured by Thomas and Joshua Gilpin, whose mill was located north of Wilmington, Delaware, from 1787 until c.1837
CONDITION: Good to fair condition. Professionally repaired tear extending from the lower margin 6" into the image. Wide margins. RARE
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