Zeemonster gevangen tussen Scheveningen en Katwijk, 1661 1661

Editor: Here we have Salomon Savery's "Zeemonster gevangen tussen Scheveningen en Katwijk," created in 1661 using etching and engraving. It definitely evokes a sense of wonder, like peering into an old, fantastical bestiary. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Wonder is exactly the right word. I look at this, and I see the birth of a meme! Consider this: It's 1661. Imagine hearing tales of bizarre creatures caught on the shores. The baroque period adored the extravagant and the grotesque. And Savery captures that perfectly. It's almost a visual exaggeration, wouldn't you say? Like the 17th-century equivalent of clickbait? Editor: Definitely, a very elaborate sea creature, not remotely scientifically accurate. Curator: Precisely. I'd venture that Savery might have relished exaggerating details in this print, leaning into the 'tall tale' aspect. It's not about zoological accuracy; it's about fueling the imagination, wouldn't you agree? About stirring up those ‘what if’ feelings? Like, what if that sun-shaped thing could be captured? Or even the other long body of the other dragon-like creature. Did you even notice there are people watching off in the distance? It just draws you in to join their amazement. Editor: So it is playing on people's curiosity about the unknown. Now I see even more the power this art can wield. Curator: Exactly! Think of it as a very early, slightly absurd, ancestor to modern fantasy art. It reflects a cultural fascination and invites viewers to question reality. Perhaps a bit of humility goes a long way when considering that humans have no idea what dwells in the deep parts of the ocean, even today! Editor: That’s fascinating. It gives a lot of insight to better look at those creatures in historical context.