Squid after 1566

This detailed drawing of a squid by Adriaen Coenen, a Flemish artist who lived from 1514 to 1587, exemplifies the meticulous study of natural forms that characterized the scientific illustration of the Renaissance period. The artwork, dated after 1566, highlights the creature's anatomical features with precision, depicting its tentacles, eyes, and body in a lifelike manner. The inscription on the drawing suggests that it was a part of a larger study of marine life. This work exemplifies the shift from purely artistic representations to the increasingly important pursuit of scientific accuracy in art during this era.