Vraye Description de Trois Voyages de mer tres admirables.... 1600

This woodcut print, created by Gerrit de Veer in 1600, depicts a ship trapped in ice. De Veer, a Dutch explorer, was part of the Willem Barentsz expedition to the Arctic. The print, housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a firsthand visual account of the treacherous conditions faced by early explorers. It's a detailed and realistic portrayal of the ship's plight, capturing the frozen landscape and the crew's struggle for survival. The woodcut's fine lines and hatching create a sense of depth and texture, highlighting the danger and drama of the scene. This artwork is a significant historical document as well as a powerful example of early graphic art.