Sea Monsters
Woodcuts of sea monsters from Des Monstres et prodiges by Ambroise Pare, 1573, clockwise from top left: marine lion covered in scales, hideous figure of a Sea Devil, marine monster resembling a Bishop dressed in his pontifical garments, marine sow, marine monster having the head of a bear and the arms of a monkey, marine monster having the head of a Monk, armed and covered with fish scales'. Des Monstres is filled with unsubstantiated accounts of sea devils, marine sows, and monstrous animals with human faces. With its extensive discussion of reproduction and illustrations of birth defects, the book invited accusations of pornography. Sea monsters are sea-dwelling mythical or legendary creatures, often believed to be of immense size. Marine monsters can take many forms, including sea dragons, sea serpents, or multi-armed beasts. They can be slimy or scaly and are often pictured threatening ships or spouting jets of water
