Ulisse Aldrovandi, Vlyssis Aldrovandi philosophi, et medici Bononiensis de piscibus libri V. et de cetis lib. Vnvs. (Bononiae: Apud Io. B. Bellagambam, 1613). 597 A365p, Tulane University Libraries: Rare Books (large), New Orleans, LA.
“Portrait of a Monstrous Whale Caught in the Scheldt River”
This rare illustration is from “De Piscibus,” the fifth volume of Ulisse Aldrovandi’s comprehensive eleven-volume natural history series, which was published posthumously nearly ten years after his death. This drawing is typical of Aldrovandi’s work, especially considering the meticulous attention to detail and lack of additional artistic flourishes. Despite Aldrovandi’s attempt to depict a scientifically accurate whale, specific features of this drawing are almost certainly inspired by myths and stories of sea monsters. Examples of this are the razor-sharp teeth, smaller draconian looking fins, and additional protruding limbs.
Aldrovandi (1522-1605), known as one of the fathers of natural history, was a pioneering Italian polymath who founded one of Europe’s first botanical gardens at the University of Bologna and served as its first Chair of Natural Science.
Dimitri Ratner