Fantastic Sea Carriage 1556

This engraving, 'Fantastic Sea Carriage', was made by Johannes van Doetecum I in the Netherlands, sometime in the latter half of the 16th century. The image assembles a riot of characters in an impossible scene, mixing classical and contemporary motifs. Note how Doetecum combines the fashion for elaborate ornament with imagery of classical mythology. The muscular figures and marine monsters recall ancient Roman art, which was being rediscovered and imitated by artists across Europe. The print medium itself was still relatively new. Printmaking allowed artists to disseminate their designs widely, and to reach new audiences beyond the traditional elite patrons of painting and sculpture. Prints like this one give us insight into the visual culture of the time, when artists sought to impress viewers with their erudition and imagination. Art historians consult a wide range of sources to better understand the contexts in which images like this one were created and consumed.