Krokodil before 1650

Antonio Tempesta made this print of a crocodile sometime between 1570 and 1630. It gives us insight into the early modern European understanding of nature and the wider world. This print comes from a series called "Various animals, birds, fishes, reptiles and insects". It was produced in Italy during a time of increased global exploration and colonization. As Europeans encountered new environments, images like this played a crucial role in shaping public perception. The crocodile is presented as both monstrous and ridable, reflecting a mix of fear and a desire for dominion over the natural world. The image's blend of observation and fantasy speaks to the limits of scientific knowledge at the time, and the inclination to fill gaps in understanding with imaginative projections. To fully understand the image, one might consult travelogues, zoological texts, and emblem books from the period. By studying the historical context, we can better appreciate how early modern Europeans understood, and often misunderstood, their relationship with the world around them.