SCRIMSHAW ARTIST View all Gerry Dupont scrimshaw pieces Upon completing four year of visual design training at Southeastern Massachusetts University in the early ‘70’s, Gerry Dupont happened upon the medium of scrimshaw by answering an ad in a local newspaper, which essentially stated, “Artist Wanted”. After developing his own style and technique during this time, […]
“Three Master at Sea” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory bark by Gerry Dupont. Highly detailed work by award winning scrimshander, Dupont. Really like the way he has used the entire working surface of this nice piece. of mammoth ivory. Excellent work at a fine price as well.
“Bark Schooner Barkentine Portraits” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tusk ivory artifact by Gerry Dupont. Ivory used as a handle to pull things across the ice. Note the shape and the markings in the middle of the piece on the back side. Award winning scrimshander, Dupont, has done a masterful job on this rare. piece of ivory. Not a great deal of this type of ivory around today. Great value here, by the way.
“Breeching Sperm Whale” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tooth ivory by Gerry Dupont. Excellent composition by Dupont on this walrus tooth. Everything is properly placed to bring one’s attention to the massive bull sperm whale. Dupont always does first rate work. Handsome stand completes thje picture.
“Clipper Returning Home” black and white scrimshaw on ancient walrus tooth ivory by Gerry Dupont. Nicely shaped tooth perfect for Dupont. Great price for this gem.Not much of this type of ivory around today.
“Breaching Humpback and Ship” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory bark by Gerry Dupont. Racing whaler bypasses this humpback. Must have been going for something else that day. Very large, thick piece of mammoth bark and Dupont has taken full advantage of the working surface. Don’t get many this size at such a great price. Winner all the way around.
“Whaleboat Closing In” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory bark by Gerry Dupont. Suspenseful moment as the whaler approaches its prey. Will they arrive a bit too late, or will the harpooner make a successful throw? Will the whale win and crush the whaleboat? Scrimshander Dupont has set the scene perfectly. It is up to the viewer to determine the outcome. Everyone sees something differently. Beautiful piece of mammoth ivory bark which deserves such a fine work by Dupont. Great value here, by the way.
“Racing Sailboats” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by Gerry Dupont. Excellent detail by scrimshander, Dupont. One can see the crew working in these sailboats as the race is very close at this point. Note the detail of the lighthouse on the horizon. Very nice work on a thick piece of mammoth ivory.
“Palmer’s Island Lighthouse” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth tusk ivory by Gerry Dupont. Nice touch adding the title on the top edge of the mammoth.
Palmer’s Island Lighthouse
The 24-foot tall stone lighthouse was commissioned during the peak of the whaling era to guide ships into the harbor. It was first lit on August 30, 1849 using whale oil. Palmer’s Island Lighthouse is a central element of the City Seal designed in 1853, with the motto, Lucem Diffundo, meaning, I Diffuse Light , referring to the City’s dominance in the provision of whale oil for illumination. Upon completion of the Hurricane Barrier in 1966, the lighthouse was deemed obsolete and the City of New Bedford took over ownership in 1978.
The most famous lighthouse keeper was Arthur Small who served from 1922 until the Hurricane of 1938. During the Hurricane, Small was swept into the harbor and his wife Mabel attempted a rescue by row boat. Small survived the storm but his wife perished.
“Serene Lighthouse Scene” black and white scrimshaw on ancient mammoth ivory bark by Gerry Dupont. Ship glides by, heading out to another port. Nicely done scene by award winning scrimshander, Dupont.