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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
The Capture
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

The Capture

Artifact IDMO 1941.3.118
Object Type Lithograph
Artist (American, 1804 - 1885)
Dateca. 1840s
Mediumblack printing ink and watercolor on wove paper
Dimensionsframe (depth includes mounting clips on reverse) H 17 1/4 in x W 22 in x D 1 in (43.8 cm x 55.9 cm x 2.5 cm )
 sheet H 14 3/4 in x W 19 1/2 in (37.5 cm x 49.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA hand-colored lithograph of a sperm whale being captured. At the center of the scene a sperm whale is seen on its back in rough, open waters. Next to the whale is a rowboat with six men, one of whom is harpooning the whale. In the background of the scene are two sailing ships, as well as additional whales and row boats, one of which is in the process of tipping over. Mountains can be faintly seen in the distant background. Text printed below the image reads: SPERM WHALING / "THE CAPTURE" / From an original drawing by Benjamin Russell.

The print is matted, glazed (acrylic), and framed in 1½" wood frame. Taped to the reverse of frame is small, typed sticker with the number "C-12-17". Also on the reverse is a hand written ink inscription that reads: To President Franklin D. Roosevelt / with great respect and admiration / from Robert Salt….[illegible] (Roosevelt Republican) / Bedford, Massachusetts April 15, 1933. A framer's label for a framer in New Bedford, Massachusetts is adhered to the reverse of the frame.
Historical NoteFranklin Roosevelt displayed this print in one of the bedrooms in the White House residence.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPrints and Paintings (National Archives Identifier 778817)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view