Crossing the line: The equator Decr. 12th., 1859

細節

English School (c.1859)
Crossing the line: The equator Decr. 12th., 1859
inscribed and dated 'The Equator. Dec. 12. 1859' (lower left) and further inscribed "Crossing the Line" (on the backing)
pencil and watercolour heightened with white
5¾ x 9¾ in. (14.7 x 24.8 cm.)

注意事項

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拍品專文

The ancient ceremony of 'Crossing the Line' involves all aboard ship - passengers and crew alike - who are crossing the equator for the first time. One of the ship's company appears as King Neptune and another as Queen Amphitrite; they, together with various attendants including nymphs and bears, ensure that all novices receive a good ducking to mark their passage across the line of the equator. The earliest published accounts of the ceremony date from the early eighteenth century but it undoubtedly predates this and owes its origins to far more pagan rites.