Three-Masted Ship, without Sails, in a Stormy Sea [reverse]

Italian 16th Century

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a relief depicting a ship caught in a turbulent sea. The ship appears detailed with visible sails and a prominent hull, being tossed amid waves. This piece is rendered in a brown hue typical of bronze. The relief is rectangular with an inscription surrounding the ship. The scene conveyed is dynamic, with the waves and the ship's movement evoking a sense of struggle against the elements. The sculpture is small and viewed at close range, creating an impression of a significant event frozen in time.