Aangespoelde potvis 1762

This 1762 etching by Cornelis van Noorde depicts a beached sperm whale on a Dutch beach. The scene, likely on the coast of the Netherlands, is filled with onlookers and figures taking measurements. The engraving provides details about the size of the whale and its auction, making it a valuable historical record of both the event and the artist's style. The detailed depiction of the whale and the surrounding crowd showcase the artistic skill of van Noorde, who was a Dutch painter and engraver known for his detailed illustrations of nature. This artwork, titled "Aangespoelde potvis," (Beached Sperm Whale) is now part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.