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The sailor and the siren
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The sailor and the siren
Dyalogus creaturarum moralizatus, 1484, the first printed book in Sweden. The author was the Italian Maynus de Mayneriis (dead 1370). This woodcut illustrates the morality about the sailor and the siren. Date: 1484
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Media ID 7225159
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10426743
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This enchanting woodcut illustration is taken from the first printed book in Sweden, titled "Dyalogus creaturarum moralizatus," published in the year 1484. The author of this intriguing work was the Italian friar and scholar, Maynus de Mayneriis, who unfortunately passed away in 1370, long before the advent of the printing press. The captivating scene depicted in this illustration tells the classic tale of the sailor and the siren. The sailor, with a determined look in his eyes and a firm grip on his oars, is skillfully navigating his boat through the treacherous waters. His focus is unwavering as he steers clear of the alluring siren, who lies seductively on the rocks, her long, flowing hair cascading into the water and her beguiling eyes fixated on the sailor. Her serpentine tail coils menacingly beneath the surface, a reminder of the danger she poses to unsuspecting sailors. The moral of this story, as conveyed through the accompanying text in the book, is a cautionary tale about the dangers of temptation and the importance of staying focused on one's goals. The sailor represents the virtuous individual who resists the allure of sin and stays true to his path, while the siren symbolizes the temptations and distractions that can derail us from our goals. This powerful illustration serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the dangers of succumbing to temptation. The intricate details of this woodcut illustration showcase the artistic prowess of the time, with the skillful use of shading and perspective to create depth and dimension. The rich, vibrant colors and the intricate patterns on the siren's body add to the allure and mystique of the image, making it a truly captivating work of art from the 15th century.
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