Jan Saenredam - Print (BM 1846,0509.271)

A beached whale near Beverwijk witnessed by Count Ernst Casimir of Nassau-Dietz; the whale lies on a beach, its head to left and a rope tied around its tail, with four figures clambering on its side; the prince stands before it wearing a plumed hat and holding a handkerchief, his entourage gathered around him; at left Saenredam sketches the whale, resting the sheet of paper on a barrel and using his cloak as a wind-break; beyond, an extensive shoreline with dunes and a beach crowded with people; cartouche frame at top with allegorical details, including representations of an earthquake, eclipse, and Time, also including details of parts of the whale after it burst apart under the pressure of decomposing gases, the head with open jaw seen at left; beneath the frame and in the sky at left, Death as a skeleton shooting the Maid of Amsterdam with a crossbow, who falls backwards (a reference to plague). 1602
Engraving