This dynamic and spirited representation, by an unknown artist, shows a sighting off the coast of Killee, County Clare, Ireland, allegedly based on a sketch by a witness. This version shows the elongated serpent rather than the long-necked marine dinosaur, complete with a roaring head and multiple humps, though it is easy to see how it could be constructed out of a sighting of a whale pod or a school of dolphins. Such imagery is obviously fanciful, but had a huge impact on public perceptions of the mystery. The illustration appeared in the short-lived periodical, The Day’s Doings (21 October 1871); 208. Wood-engraving by an unknown engraver, 5¾ x 3½ inches. [Click on image to enlarge it.]
Image capture and text by Simon Cooke. You may use this image without prior permission for any scholarly or educational purpose as long as you (1) credit the photographer and (2) link to this URL in a web document or cite it in a print one.
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Bibliography
The Day’s Doings, 1871.
Created 6 July 2021