Zeekalf before 1650

"Zeekalf" (Sea Calf) is a 17th-century etching by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta, depicting a seal in its natural habitat. Executed in a detailed and realistic style, the work showcases Tempesta's skill in capturing the animal's anatomy and texture. The seal is shown in profile, with its flippers and claws prominently displayed, suggesting its amphibious nature. The scene is set against a rocky shore, with a small group of seals visible in the background. The inscription "Vitulus Marinus" further identifies the subject as a seal. Now housed at the Rijksmuseum, "Zeekalf" exemplifies the growing interest in natural history during the Renaissance.