Moby-Dick; or, The Whale Moby Dick, or The Whale - Chapter 055-058
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May 25, 2023 In this intriguing exploration of whale imagery, the narrator reveals how common depictions of whales are historically flawed. They dissect faulty scientific illustrations and argue that capturing a true whale's essence is nearly impossible. The podcast highlights dramatic French engravings showcasing whaling action and contrasts various artistic interpretations. Additionally, it dives into the creativity of whalemen, their intricate carvings, and the uncanny way whales resonate within nature and even the cosmos. The ocean's dual nature is a poignant reminder of its beauty and danger.
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Ancient Sculptures Got Whales Wrong
- The Elephanta pagoda features an ancient half-man, half-whale sculpture called the Matse Avatar, but its tail is more like an anaconda than a real whale fluke.
- Historic artists from Guido to Hogarth produced monstrous, fanciful sea-monsters rather than anatomical whales.
Skeletons Conceal True Shape
- A whale's skeleton tells little about its living shape because flesh and blubber massively alter the external form.
- The whale's fins contain bones analogous to human fingers, mostly hidden within fleshy coverings.
French Engravings Capture Whaling Action
- The narrator cites several published whale illustrations and praises some French engravings by Garnery and H. Duran for capturing the action of whaling.
- These engravings convey the hunt's drama more effectively than many stiffer English or scientific plates.
