POSSIBLY EARLIEST DEPICTION OF SPERM WHAL;ING IN AN AMERICAN FOLK ART PIECE.
A0410 IMPORTANT 18TH CENTURY CARVED BUSK DEPICTING ACTIVE SPERM WHALING SCENE.
An exceptionally important—and quite possibly the earliest known—18th‑century corset busk carved in relief with a vivid representation of sperm whaling. Fashioned from maple and dated 1761, the busk features a finely executed scene that is remarkable both for its subject matter and its early date.
On the left, an 18th‑century sloop is shown under sail, flying a pennant bearing the cross of St. Andrew or St. Patrick. To the right, a whaleboat is depicted in active pursuit, with the harpooner already fast to a sperm whale—an unusually dynamic and detailed portrayal for a busk of this period. Above the scene appears the inscription “AD 1761”, and centered near the top is a decorative chip‑carved fan motif.
The reverse bears a lightly penned ink inscription reading: “Property of Stephen B. Dean.”
Stuart M. Frank, PhD, Senior Curator Emeritus of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, has recorded that he is reasonably certain the piece was crafted by Stephan Dean (1724–1797) of New York, who was employed as a sailor.
Dimensions: 11 ½ inches.