Four-Master (Left) and Two Three-Masters Ancored Near a Fortified Island with a Lighthouse
1565
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1565
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This black-and-white engraving shows four big ships anchored near a small island. The ships have tall masts with lots of ropes and sails, some of which are furled. In the background, there’s a lighthouse on the island and a small fort with buildings and a tower. The water is calm, and a few small boats float nearby. The artist used fine lines and shading to show details like the ships’ rigging and the texture of the waves. This kind of careful linework is typical of engravings from that time. Look up engraving to see how artists create these precise, detailed prints.
