Der Schiffman (The Sailor)

Hans Lützelburger

1526

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Allegory

About this work

This woodcut shows a chaotic ship sinking in rough waves. People on board are panicking—some cling to the sides, others reach out desperately. A giant sea monster with sharp teeth rises from the water, its mouth open wide. The sky above is dark, and the ship’s mast bends under the storm. The title *Der Schiffman* (The Sailor) hints this might be about danger at sea. The artist used sharp lines to show both the ship’s struggle and the monster’s power. Next, look up woodcut to see how this printing method worked.