Bemanning in gevecht met ijsberen bij het vastgelopen schip, 1596 1598

This anonymous woodcut, titled "Bemanning in gevecht met ijsberen bij het vastgelopen schip, 1596," depicts a dramatic scene from a 16th-century Arctic expedition. The crew of a ship, stranded on ice floes, engages in a desperate battle with a polar bear, their only weapons being makeshift spears. The image captures the harsh realities of Arctic exploration, highlighting the dangers faced by early explorers. The woodcut's detailed depiction of the ship, the ice floes, and the polar bear, all within a small format, suggests a focus on accuracy and storytelling. This artwork, created in 1598, offers a unique glimpse into the history of Arctic exploration.