Beetle Whaleboat Model -A Nantucket Original/ Rex Stewart

       
                                      Port profile view of  "Beetle Whaleboat Model c.1890"

Intro:

This model represent one of the finest whaleboat renditions to be found in the Atlantic Northeast today. For over 35 years, these one-of-a-kind whaleboat models were featured and collected in established show-venues, antique shops and galleries on Cape Cod, Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and other regions throughout New England and New York.

It, the Beetle Whaleboat, is a small traditional work that garnish many features which made it one of the forerunners in this genre and style of build. So much, that it has been acquired by international collectors for its style of build.

As a New York-New England artist/craftsman, my techniques are focused on simple tools to bring out the best in quality and presentation which is my signature to 'fine art' and its properties.

                     
                        Fight for survival...Nantucket whaling in the heyday of the era when it was
                        man against leviathan.

In the era of sail whalers had no rival to handling an open boat. At a time when whales were plentiful, and a necessity for human consumption, they were hunted in small open rowboats. These men approached a whale closely so not to miss with the harpoon, especially with the bulk and weight of a seventy foot sperm whale. These creatures challenged their pursuers and lives were occasionally lost as a result -and in most instances boats were stoved.

                       
                         Whaleboat profile plan...

On the whole, plans are essential for accuracy, but are not always the 'hard-rule'. However, without them, it is difficult to get precise measurements and/or configurations. Many of my models stem strictly from plans, whether of my design or from other sources. My whaleboat design came from sources found at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut where I tenured 20 years as an artist, and at the Mariners Museum in Newport News, VA.

The process:

Hand carved accessories are pre-made before the actual whaleboat is built. My usual scale is 1:32, but I build to client specifications whether the request is miniature or large. This featured work is at the mentioned scale. On any model, no two works are alike since I vary these vignettes in random arrangement. Each small tool, etc. is crafted in wood.

                 In this photo both parts and model are featured, showing their partially painted
                 properties before the finalized work is finished.

               
My work has been an ongoing challenge since entering the maritime arts during the 1980s. Originally a fine artist, I chose to explore this field (maritime), to find how I could contribute my skills and research to a genre that isolated itself from public domain. After much research and diligence, I was able to enter this field by way of Nantucket, Cape Cod and South Street Seaport in New York City.
To remain in it, my work had to be exemplary which I spent countless hours to perfect. Here, I'm placing the final touches on the model before encasing behind glass.

                                  Port bow view of deck accessories and mounted whaleboat.

Midship View:

Whaling gear aboard these lightweight vessels were highly specialized which included harpoons and lances used in the hunt -along with two line tubs, bailing scoop and fresh water keg. The harpoon, lance tips, boat knife and hatchet head were made from nickel silver. In the model, these features (made entirely of wood) appear to be oxidized to show aging -with the edges polished to simulate having been recently sharpened.

            Port Stern closeup detail of mounted whaleboat, showing steering oar and deck details.

Interior Detail:

Whaleboats were sealed inside. They were planked inside and outside the frames. This model is an example of its full completion...At the right hand end, vaguely seen, is the boat compass beneath the steering oar -required for situations when a boat lost sight of its parent ship. the compass in this model was made to simulate the real ones. There are small paddles in the boat's bottom which was used to quietly approach a surfaced whale. Many other features are included within this work.

                              The final encased model: "Beetle Whaleboat c. 1890"

This fine model can be commissioned at any scale, and/or purchased by emailing the artist at Caseships@yahoo.com or at rexstewartoriginals@gmail.com. Mail can be sent to: Rex Stewart, P.O. Box 1242, Albany, New York 12201. Finally, by phone 1-774-757-7137.