Whalers catching a whale, 19th century artwork. Oar-powered whaling boats in rough conditions in the South Seas as they prepare to kill a harpooned whale. The whale, which is spouting air from its blowhole, has several harpoons in its side. As it grows weaker, the whalers will use their spears and other harpoons to kill it. The whale's body will then be hauled on board the main ship (seen in background) and processed for its valuable oil. In the same year this artwork was published (1868) the modern explosive harpoon was invented.