Verschillende zeedieren 1778

Robbert Muys made this image of various sea creatures in the Netherlands, sometime around the late eighteenth century. This drawing gives us insight into the scientific culture of the time. Drawings like this served as a visual record of new discoveries for scientists and enthusiasts. Note how each creature is carefully labeled with numbers, almost like a page from a textbook. This was a time of great exploration, both on land and sea. Museums and universities were expanding, creating a demand for images that could document and classify the natural world. The rise of scientific societies also played a huge role in the development of the public understanding of science. We can use historical texts, museum archives, and scientific publications from the period to learn more about the social life of images like this one. By placing art within the context of its time, we discover it reflects broader cultural trends and intellectual pursuits.