Zebulan 16th-17th century

Editor: This is Johann Sadeler's "Zebulan." It's hard to pin down a date, but it's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The figure seems to be emerging from the sea itself! What can you tell us about the imagery? Curator: Consider the anchor and oar. These aren't just props; they're emblems of Zebulan's identity. They connect him to maritime trade and coastal life. The sea wasn’t just a physical space, but a symbolic realm. Editor: So, it's not just a portrait, but an embodiment of Zebulan's role? Curator: Exactly. This engraving isn't just depicting a man; it's invoking cultural memory and beliefs linked to Zebulan, shaping how viewers perceive his legacy through carefully chosen symbols. Editor: That's fascinating! It makes you wonder what other hidden meanings are present in this figure. Curator: Indeed. Symbols can be powerful vehicles for conveying cultural values across time.