Basic Information

Historical Context

A fantastical engraving depicting a woman being abducted by a sea monster on the coast. The subject is drawn from classical mythology or possibly from contemporary reports of sea creatures. One of Dürer's most imaginative early engravings. [Inferred from Dürer Catalog] Visual Description On a rocky shoreline, a naked woman rides on the back of a large, fish-like creature with a scaly body, a horned or crested head, and webbed appendages. The creature emerges from churning waves. In the background, a castle or fortified town sits on a cliff. A woman on shore watches in alarm. Dürer's monogram appears prominently. Artistic Analysis This engraving demonstrates Dürer's imaginative range and his ability to render fantastic subjects with convincing physicality. The sea monster is depicted with the same empirical attention to detail that Dürer applied to real animals, creating a creature that is simultaneously terrifying and scientifically plausible.