1554 Gesner shark attack on man with ray
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1554 Gesner shark attack on man with ray
Sharks attacking a man, with a ray coming to help. Woodcut with old colouring. Gesner " Icones Animalium" publ. Christof Froschover, Zurich, 1560. This scene is copied by Gesner from an earlier map by Olaus Magnus and is one of the first to describe a shark attack. The text describes how a man is voraciously attacked by sharks (dogfish) - but then a ray appears to " avenge their crimes - armed by nature with its fins. In a rushing movement it drives of the waylayers who are dragging the man down, and urges him as best it can to swim away". Another contrasting interpretation however has been that fishermen believed the remoras on large rays brought the Ray human prey to devour! (Wendt 1956)
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Media ID 6344973
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16th Century Animalium Attack Behaviour Bestiary Colour Conrad Dog Fish Early Folk Lore Gesner Gessner Historiae Icones Middle Ages Monster Myth Natural History Shark Wood Cut Magnus
EDITORS COMMENTS
This woodcut print from the 16th century, titled "1554 Gesner shark attack on man with ray" transports us back in time to a world of ancient myths and natural wonders. Published in Christof Froschover's "Icones Animalium" in Zurich, 1560, this scene is a reproduction by Conrad Gesner of an earlier map by Olaus Magnus. In this dramatic illustration, we witness the terrifying moment when a group of sharks viciously attacks a defenseless man. However, just as hope seems lost, a majestic ray emerges from the depths of the sea to intervene. Armed with its powerful fins and driven by nature's instinct for justice, the ray swiftly drives away the assailants who threaten to drag the man down into oblivion. With urgency and determination, it urges him to swim away to safety. Interestingly enough, there are contrasting interpretations surrounding this intriguing artwork. Some believe that fishermen saw large rays as accomplices bringing human prey for sharks' consumption. This adds another layer of mystery and folklore to an already captivating narrative. Through this remarkable piece of artistry and storytelling from centuries past, we are reminded not only of humanity's fascination with marine creatures but also our enduring quest for understanding their behavior and place within our natural world.
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