Delen paalwerk aangetast door paalwormen, 1731 1731 - 1733

This detailed etching, "Delen paalwerk aangetast door paalwormen," by Dutch artist Jan Ruyter, created between 1731 and 1733, depicts a close-up view of oak wood extensively damaged by shipworms. The piece is a scientific illustration, highlighting the destructive power of these marine creatures on wooden structures like those used in the Netherlands' sea defenses. Ruyter’s meticulous rendering of the wood's texture and the shipworms’ destructive patterns emphasizes the importance of understanding these pests for marine engineering. This artwork offers a glimpse into the practical concerns of the time and the scientific study of natural phenomena.