A Herring Buss c. 1490
meesterwmetdesleutel
light pencil work
quirky sketch
pen sketch
pencil sketch
old engraving style
sketch book
personal sketchbook
pen-ink sketch
sketchbook drawing
sketchbook art
"A Herring Buss" is a c. 1490 engraving by the Netherlandish artist Meester W met de Sleutel depicting a type of fishing vessel called a buss. This specific type of ship was used to catch herring, a common source of food and trade in the North Sea region. The detailed depiction of the ship's features, rigging, and the choppy waves suggests the artist's close observation of these vessels. This artwork is a valuable primary source for understanding the shipbuilding and fishing practices of the late 15th century.
Comments
This unique print features the earliest representation of a herring buss. This type of fishing vessel came into use in the 12th century to catch the herring that was so important for the Netherlands. Like many early engravings, this one was also made by a silversmith. The master, probably active in Bruges, was clearly trained in metal engraving. Overlapping masts, ropes and waves are confidently incised in the copper plate.
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