Aangespoelde potvis 1762 - 1764

This 18th-century engraving by Hendrik Spilman depicts a sperm whale beached on a Dutch shoreline. Created between 1762 and 1764, the artwork highlights the scientific curiosity of the time, documenting the rare occurrence of a sperm whale, known as a "Cachalot," washing ashore. The composition features a detailed depiction of the whale, along with figures observing and measuring it, signifying the growing interest in natural history. This detailed engraving, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the fascination with the natural world during the Dutch Golden Age.