The Whaleship 'Emma C. Jones' off Round Hills, New Bedford 

William Bradford painted the whaleship 'Emma C. Jones' off Round Hills, New Bedford, likely in the mid-19th century, capturing a crucial aspect of the American economy and its global reach. Bradford presents the whaling industry in a heroic light, but this image also opens a window onto a complex web of social, economic, and ecological factors. New Bedford, Massachusetts, was a major whaling port at this time, and the industry fueled significant economic growth, yet it came at a steep price. The pursuit of whale oil led to the exploitation of marine resources on a global scale and contributed to the decline of whale populations. It also relied on a dangerous and often brutal labor system, with crews drawn from diverse backgrounds, including many marginalized communities. To understand this painting fully, we can consult historical sources, such as shipping logs, business records, and personal accounts of whalers, in order to better appreciate the full implications of this kind of maritime scene.