Arkivism
Reproduction of a tapestry on the Spanish Armada (July 28-29)
Public domain

Reproduction of a tapestry on the Spanish Armada (July 28-29)

John Pine · 1739-06-24 · etching; engraving; paper

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

English and Spanish fleets in the Channel between Dover and Calais, with the coat of arms of the English Queen Elizabeth I at the top. The image (numbered IX) is framed in an ornamental border with eight portraits of commanders of the English fleet. In the center above is the portrait of Charles Howard, Lord High Admiral and supreme commander of the English fleet against the Spanish Armada. Above and below between the portraits are ship bows with spears and flags, flanked by putti. They blow on a horn or shell, drum, write, etc. On the left and right stand four putti by a triumph or memorial column. Two putti decorate the column with garlands. A third putti writes the events in a book; the fourth holds a sword and an ouroboros. The ouroboros is a snake biting its own tail and is thus a symbol of eternity. Also two eagles with thunderbolts, the four winds, and two lions with a column or trident and a coat of arms.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Credit lineReproductie van een wandtapijt over de Spaanse Armada (28-29 juli). 1739-06-24. John Pine. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

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