1560 Gesner mermaid sea monster
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1560 Gesner mermaid sea monster
Satyrus marinus - a sea monster of partially human form. Woodcut with old colouring. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560. Gesner reproduced this picture because the artist sending him the original had " seen the monster alive" - though just what it might have been based upon is a mystery. Gesner notes one had been captured and displayed in Norway, another in Rome
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6345311
© PAUL D STEWART/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
16th Century Animalium Bestiary Colour Conrad Cryptozoology Demon Devil Early Fantasy Folk Lore Gesner Gessner Historiae Icones Middle Ages Monster Myth Natural History Satyr Wood Cut Marinus Mermaid Satyrus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the 16th century, where myth and reality intertwined in a mesmerizing woodcut illustration. The image depicts a mysterious creature known as Satyrus marinus, a sea monster of partially human form. Published in Conrad Gesner's "Icones Animalium" by Christof Froschover in Zurich, 1560, this artwork is both fantastical and steeped in natural history. What makes this particular depiction intriguing is the claim made by the artist who sent Gesner the original: they had allegedly seen the monster alive. Although we are left wondering about its true origins, Gesner himself notes that similar creatures were captured and displayed both in Norway and Rome during that time. The woodcut with old coloring transports us to an era when folklore and mythical beings held great fascination for people. This piece of art not only reflects the imagination of its creator but also sheds light on how these fantastical creatures were perceived during the Middle Ages. Paul D. Stewart's skillful capture allows us to appreciate every intricate detail of this mermaid-like creature with demonic features. Its presence evokes curiosity about cryptozoology –the study of hidden animals– as well as our enduring fascination with monsters throughout history. As we gaze upon this remarkable print, we are reminded that even centuries later, such enigmatic creatures continue to captivate our imaginations through their representation in art and literature.
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