Whale Oil Lamp 1938

Herman O. Stroh created this watercolor and graphite drawing of a whale oil lamp sometime in the 20th century. What can a simple object tell us about its time? Before widespread electrification, light was a precious commodity. Whale oil lamps, like the one depicted here, illuminated homes and workplaces across America. They represent an era when natural resources were exploited on a massive scale to fuel economic growth. The imagery of whaling itself was fraught with symbolism, often romanticizing a dangerous industry while obscuring its brutal realities. Stroh’s rendering invites us to consider not just the lamp's functionality but also the complex web of social, economic, and environmental factors that shaped its existence. Historians use a variety of sources, from maritime records to environmental studies, to reconstruct the history of objects like these. By exploring these contexts, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the role of material culture in shaping our world.