Simply monstrous

Hendrick Goltzius was a Mannerist printmaker, who used exaggeration to achieve his effects – just look at the muscles, twisting bodies and terrifying maw of the beast.

The unfortunate friends of Cadmus

Cadmus was a hero from Greek mythology who slayed the dragon and sowed its teeth. From these teeth, a race of fierce warriors were born.

The hero triumphs

In the background, we can see Cadmus defeating the scaly beast – presumably in the future!

An outstretched wing

The artist has drawn from real-life creatures for inspiration – perhaps a bull, a lion, a cockerel, and a bat?