Gestrande walvis bij Berckhey, 1598 1679 - 1681

Gilliam van der Gouwen created this print, "Gestrande walvis bij Berckhey," around 1700, depicting a whale stranding that occurred in February 1598. The print offers a window into the complex relationship between humans and the natural world during this period. Here, the beached whale becomes a spectacle. It is surrounded by people from all walks of life—men on horseback, families, and workers—each drawn to the extraordinary event. The scene is a blend of awe and opportunism as people begin to strip the whale of its blubber. What did this moment mean for those who witnessed it? Was it a marvel, a resource, or a bit of both? In its depiction, this artwork also points to the intertwined histories of humans and animals, raising questions about exploitation and the impact of human actions on the natural environment. The emotional weight of the scene is palpable, and the image serves as a reminder of our complex relationship with the natural world.