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1627 A Beast Called Su, colour
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1627 A Beast Called Su, colour
1627 Woodblock engraving in the text. From Sebastian Munsters account of the New World from the Cosmographia. German edition of 1627 dealing with the navigation of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego. The Su turns up in bestiaries since Gessner and Topsell 1607. It is said to come from Patagonia, a land of giants (there were greatly exaggerated reports of the size of the Tehuelche tribe in Patagonia right up to Darwins day). All authors report that the Su is " cruel, untameable, impatient, violent, ravening and bloudy (sic)" (Topsell). They also state that it devours its own young rather than let them be taken by Hunters. What this animal might be based on is unclear. Some authors have claimed an extinct ground sloth, but there seems no clear likeness in this account
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Media ID 6346399
© This image is Paul D. Stewart 2009. Do not reproduce without permission of the photographer at Stewartpauld@aol.com
16th Century 17th Century Beast Cryptozoology Early Engraving Fantastic Gesner Gessner Monster Myth Mythical Mythology Natural History Patagonia South America Tierra Del Fuego Topsell Wood Cut Cosmographia Cryptid
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This print titled "1627 A Beast Called Su" takes us back to the 16th century, delving into the realms of early mythology and natural history. The image is a woodblock engraving from Sebastian Munster's account of the New World in his renowned Cosmographia. Focusing on Magellan's navigation to Tierra del Fuego, it introduces us to a mysterious creature known as Su. Hailing from Patagonia, a land associated with giants due to exaggerated reports about the Tehuelche tribe's size, the Su has been featured in bestiaries since Gessner and Topsell's works in 1607. Described as cruel, untameable, impatient, violent, ravening, and bloody by various authors including Topsell himself; they also claim that this enigmatic beast devours its own young rather than letting them be taken by hunters. The true identity of this creature remains uncertain. While some suggest an extinct ground sloth as its basis, no clear resemblance can be found within these accounts. This ambiguity adds an air of mystique surrounding the Su. Paul D. Stewart skillfully captures this intriguing piece of art that blends myth and reality seamlessly. Through this photograph print adorned with vibrant colors reminiscent of its time period, we are transported into a world where fantastic creatures roam South America's landscapes while simultaneously exploring humanity's fascination with cryptids and cryptozoology.
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