An Oak Panel Featuring A Mythical Half-human And Half Serpent Or Fish, Circa 1600

A beautiful and rare oak panel with a mythical creature. Is it a representation of Christ himself (fish), a sea monk, a bishop or a triton? Or a representation of the devil (snake) or a devil fish? Is it a sea creature? Or is it a land creature? If it is a land creature, is it not a fish tail but leaves and is it rather the stye of the flowering green man? Or simply a mythical creature?

Religious context: The fish corresponds to the Christian era, and Christ himself was often called "fish" (ichtus). It is very present in the Gospels. On the other hand, the snake, which in antiquity was positive and healing (the caduceus), became in Judeo-Christianity negative and a symbol of the devil (Genesis).

Dimensions: 23.5x16.5 cm.