Zeeleeuw before 1650

"Zeeleeuw" (Sea Lion), a copperplate engraving by Italian artist Antonio Tempesta (1555-1630), depicts a fantastical creature with the head of a man and the body of a lion covered in scales. The creature stands on a rocky shore, with mountains and a small ship visible in the distance. This print from the 17th century captures the widespread fascination with mythical creatures, and Tempesta's detailed depiction of the creature's features, scales, and environment showcases his masterful use of line and shading. The image is a testament to the visual storytelling capabilities of engravings and the enduring power of mythical creatures in art and popular imagination.