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The Ship of Fortune

Date
1633
Material
Etching
Classification
Prints
Current Location
Not on view
Dimensions
plate: 4 7/16 x 6 5/8 in. (11.3 x 16.8 cm)
sheet (irregular): 4 11/16 x 6 13/16 in. (11.9 x 17.3 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of J. Lionberger Davis
Rights
Public Domain
Object Number
87:1951
NOTES
Rembrandt van Rijn created this etching as an illustration for a book on sea-faring. The image symbolizes the advent of peace after Octavian (later Augustus Caesar) defeated Marc Antony's armies at Actium. The nude woman on the boat is probably Bellonia; the goddess of war, who leaves the falling Marc Antony stranded. He has no control over his horse, let alone the Roman Empire. As Bellonia leaves, maritime trade will flourish under the rule of Augustus.

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