The Ship of the Church
Classification
Drawing
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Museum purchase through gift of various donors
Accession Number
1901-39-134
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
Behold *The Ship of the Church a captivating drawing by Flemish artist Jan van der Straet, as Stradanus (3–1605), around 1590. Stradanus, renowned for his Mannerist style, spent much of his career in at the Medici court, producing intricate designs for tapestries, prints, frescoes that blended Northern precision with Italian elegance. This work likely served as a preparatory study, showcasing his mastery of line and composition in service of allegorical themes. The title evokes a powerful Christian metaphor from early Church Fathers like St. Augustine, portraying the Church as a sturdy ship w...