For more than one hundred years, this relatively unremarkably painting by Hendrick van Anthonissen was held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England.
Stranded whales were a common theme on Dutch prints of the late 16th and 17th century. The whale was an omen: bad luck - just like a comet. A good reason to have it painted over.
What a magical story! My imagination has been increased when I look at any painting. Probably most paintings have magic under their many layers. Thanks
I think you’re right. Especially as there are two captivating storylines to follow here - i.e the actual rediscovery by the restorers, but also trying to understand exactly when or why the whale was painted over to begin with!
If only I had the skill, I would 100% make the film myself! :)
I wonder if the description of the whale as a sea monster was because the people of the time didn't know much about whales whereas today they are protected mammals in some parts of the world.
Yes, I think you’re right. Back then, even people who had been lucky enough to see a whale for real might only ever have seen it as a quick glance in passing. So it’s no wonder why they were a source of terror for some.
Feeling happy about the restoration work that revealed the original creation. Fascinating story. Such stories may also be hidden in many other works. Now we should use the latest technologies to discover them.
Stranded whales were a common theme on Dutch prints of the late 16th and 17th century. The whale was an omen: bad luck - just like a comet. A good reason to have it painted over.
That’s really interesting! Thanks for sharing.
What a magical story! My imagination has been increased when I look at any painting. Probably most paintings have magic under their many layers. Thanks
Such a great post today. I love the hidden whale. This story will make me think twice when looking at art.
Thanks, Melissa. I have no doubt there are so many more secrets like this hiding in other works out there. (Although, perhaps not another whale!)
Wow - what a fascinating story! Who knows what may be lurking under other works in our museums...
Yes, it’s quite a wonderful thought, isn’t it!
I love the story of this painting. I think a movie is in order, or a documentary. Super interesting!
I think you’re right. Especially as there are two captivating storylines to follow here - i.e the actual rediscovery by the restorers, but also trying to understand exactly when or why the whale was painted over to begin with!
If only I had the skill, I would 100% make the film myself! :)
You can do it! 😃.
I wonder if the description of the whale as a sea monster was because the people of the time didn't know much about whales whereas today they are protected mammals in some parts of the world.
Yes, I think you’re right. Back then, even people who had been lucky enough to see a whale for real might only ever have seen it as a quick glance in passing. So it’s no wonder why they were a source of terror for some.
Wow great decision to continue the cleaning of that painting.
I bet that whale was something to see. I can’t believe there isn’t some documentation of the event somewhere. There may be local accounts of it.
I did not see that coming!
Lovely story!! Excellent post! Thank you.....
I have been to that beach, in 2011. The restored colors match real life better.
Nice!!!!!
All hail the brilliance of restorers! Wonderful story, thank you.
Absolutely! They really do deserve all the credit for this discovery.
Feeling happy about the restoration work that revealed the original creation. Fascinating story. Such stories may also be hidden in many other works. Now we should use the latest technologies to discover them.
Absolutely. Imagine just how many secrets are out there right now waiting for us to rediscover them!
I loved this story!! I would not have guessed that that a beached whale would be the secret. Thank you so much for sharing this!
It’s crazy, isn’t it! Literally one of my favourite art discoveries of more recent times.
What a story! The whale was meant to be found one day.
One of the weird and wonderful stories hidden in art history! New one for me!