Skelet van een stekelvarken 1625 - 1626

This is Hendrick Hondius's etching of a porcupine skeleton, made in the Netherlands in the late 16th or early 17th century. Images of skeletons became popular in Europe at this time. These "memento mori" images served as reminders of mortality, a theme particularly resonant during the plague years. But this is more than just a meditation on death. Consider the institutional context: natural history was emerging as a field of scientific study. Museums and universities began assembling collections of anatomical specimens. So, this etching reflects a growing interest in scientific observation and classification. Note Hondius's meticulous detail and his inclusion of Latin text. These features elevate the image beyond mere illustration, aligning it with the scholarly pursuits of the era. To fully understand this etching, one might consult early scientific treatises, museum catalogues, and emblem books popular at the time. Such research reveals the complex interplay of art, science, and social values in the Dutch Golden Age.