Fine Art

The Ship of Fortune — History & Facts

In his book Der Zee-Vaert Lof (In Praise of Navigation), Elias Herckmans contends that Dutch maritime trade flourishes best in times of peace. In chapter three, he discusses the Pax Romana (Roman Peace). Rembrandt made a book illustration for this, in which he sums up the entire chapter.

The nude female figure on the ship is Fortuna, prosperity, which favours sea trade when peace prevails.

More Artworks by Rembrandt van Rijn

Father embraces his son in an etching by Rembrandt van Rijn

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt's 'The Crucifixion' depicts a dramatic moment in a religious context.

The Crucifixion

Rembrandt van Rijn

A man in a feathered hat smiles and raises a glass while holding a woman on his lap, both dressed in elaborate 17th-century clothing with a table of objects nearby.

Rembrandt and Saskia in the Scene of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

Rembrandt's self-portrait showcases his mastery of light and shadow.

Self-Portrait in a heavy Fur Cap: Bust

Rembrandt van Rijn

Portrait of an old woman with clasped hands, painted by Rembrandt in 1661.

Portrait of a Seated Old Woman with Clasped Hands

Rembrandt van Rijn

A young woman with softly curling brown hair wears a lace-edged cap and an intricate white lace collar over a deep black dress against a warm brown background.

Portrait of a Young Woman

Rembrandt van Rijn

A woman stands by a door with a faint smile, wearing a deep red shawl and jewelry, illuminated against a dark background.

Portrait of Hendrickje Stoffels

Rembrandt van Rijn

A self-portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn, showcasing his confident gaze and elaborate costume.

Portrait of Rembrandt

Rembrandt van Rijn

Self-portrait of Rembrandt van Rijn, showcasing his introspective gaze and aged features.

Portrait of the Artist

Rembrandt van Rijn

Portraits of Jean Pellicorne and his son Casper by Rembrandt, showcasing their expressions and attire.

Portraits of Jean Pellicorne and his Son Casper

Rembrandt van Rijn

Browse all

More Mythology Art

A depiction of Apollo reaching for Daphne, who is transforming into a laurel tree.

Apollo and Daphne

Peter Paul Rubens

A group of figures including a twisting woman in white and reddish-brown drapery, a crowned man, and others stand closely on rocky ground beneath a blue sky.

Bacchus and Ariadne

Peter Paul Rubens

Peter Paul Rubens' 'Hippomenes and Atalanta' captures a moment of tension in a mythological race.

Hippomenes and Atalanta

Peter Paul Rubens

A nearly nude woman chained to a rocky outcrop looks down anxiously as a sea monster rises below and an armored man swoops in with sword and shield.

Perseus and Andromeda

Peter Paul Rubens

Meleager and Atalanta confront the Calydonian Boar in a dynamic scene by Peter Paul Rubens.

Meleager and Atalanta and the Hunt of the Calydonian Boar

Peter Paul Rubens

Albrecht Dürer's 'St. George and the Dragon' depicts the legendary battle between the saint and the dragon.

St. George and the dragon.

Albrecht Dürer

Browse all