Zeemonnik 1562

François Desprez's "Zeemonnik" (1562) is a small-scale woodcut depicting a fantastical sea monster. The creature, referred to as "Le moine de la mer" (the monk of the sea), appears humanoid with a large, gaping mouth and scaly skin. Its lower body dissolves into a long, serpentine tail, emphasizing its monstrous nature. This print reflects the European fascination with exotic creatures and sea monsters during the 16th century, a period of great exploration and discovery. The intricate details of the monster's anatomy, combined with the ornate frame and the text below, suggest that this artwork was likely intended to be part of a larger collection or book, providing visual evidence of the wonders of the natural world.