De walvis wordt door vissers gezien, 1682 1682

This etching, “De walvis wordt door vissers gezien” (The Whale is Seen by Fishers) by Abraham de Blois, depicts a scene of a whale beached on the shore of a Dutch seaside town. The etching, dating back to 1682, captures the moment of discovery by fishermen, as they gather on the shore to marvel at the colossal creature. The artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into 17th-century Dutch maritime life, highlighting the importance of fishing and the fascination with whales, a symbol of both wonder and danger.