Schepping van de dieren - Gerard de Jode

A detailed sixteenth-century engraving by Gerard de Jode depicting the biblical creation of animals, rendered with precise line work and historical character.

This engraving, attributed to the Dutch cartographer and printmaker Gerard de Jode, depicts the biblical narrative of the creation of animals. The composition centres on the figure of the Creator, who stands with arms outstretched, gesturing towards the diverse fauna that populate the scene. The surrounding environment is filled with a wide array of creatures, ranging from an elephant and a camel to smaller animals such as rabbits, a tortoise, and a snail. A peacock is perched prominently on a tree branch to the right, while aquatic life is visible in the water nearby.

The print is executed with the precise line work characteristic of late sixteenth-century Dutch engraving. The artist employs varied hatching techniques to define the musculature of the animals and the folds of the Creator's robes. The background features a rolling terrain that recedes into the distance, providing a sense of scale to the gathering of creatures. The Latin inscription at the base, referencing the Book of Genesis, provides the theological context for the imagery, framing the act of creation as a singular, divine command.

Gerard de Jode was a significant figure in the Antwerp print trade, known for his work as both a publisher and an engraver. This piece reflects the period's interest in natural history and the systematic categorisation of the animal kingdom, often presented through a religious lens. The inclusion of such a wide variety of species suggests an encyclopaedic approach to the subject matter, common in the print culture of the era. The work is presented here as a high-quality fine art print, preserving the fine details of the original copperplate engraving. It offers a clear view into the aesthetic and intellectual preoccupations of the Northern Renaissance, where scientific observation began to intersect with traditional biblical iconography.