Robinson Crusoe 1720

This etching by Bernard Picart, titled "Robinson Crusoe" (1720), depicts the famous castaway in a more realistic setting than in previous illustrations. The image shows Crusoe clad in animal skins, holding a musket and carrying a basket, with a makeshift parasol shielding him from the sun. The background features a rudimentary dwelling, a ladder, and a distant shore. The work captures the survivalist spirit of Daniel Defoe's novel, highlighting Crusoe's ingenuity and resourcefulness in a harsh environment. The detailed and realistic portrayal makes this etching a valuable representation of early 18th-century visual culture.