Nijlpaarden bij Loango, 1607 1632 - 1646

This engraving, "Nijlpaarden bij Loango, 1607," by Adriaen Matham, depicts a group of hippos in a coastal setting. The large hippo in the foreground is prominently featured, with its snout raised and its body filling most of the composition. In the distance, a ship sails across the water, suggesting a broader context of exploration and discovery. Created between 1632 and 1646, the work exemplifies the growing interest in natural history and the exploration of exotic creatures in 17th-century Europe. This print is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, offering a glimpse into the artistic and scientific curiosity of its time.