The Ship of Fools (Nave dos Loucos) (Stultifera Navis)

Sebastian Brant (1457-1521) published the moralist poem “das Narrenschiff” (1494) which presents 110 follies or vices. He was a catholic supporter of Maximilian I, the leader of The Holy Roman Empire. This edition displayed illustrations of the subjects, most of them by Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). It is said that Erasmus of Rotterdam based himself on this poem to write his “Praise of Folly”. The idea of the travel has been explored by many authors and painters.


Sebastian Brant (1457-1521) publicou o poema moralista “das Narrenschiff'” (1494) no qual apresenta 110 loucuras ou vícios. Era católico adepto de Maximiliano I, dirigente do Sacro Império Romano-Germânico. A edição exibia gravuras correspondentes aos assuntos, grande parte delas de Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528). Opinam que Erasmo de Roterdão se baseou na obra para o 'Elogio da loucura'. A ideia de viagem terá sido aproveitada por diversos autores e pintores.

Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)-'VIII-not following good advice'-woodcut

Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)-'X-of true friendship'-woodcut

Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)-'XX-of finding treasure'-woodcut

Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)-'LXXIV-of oppressed fools'-woodcut

Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528)-'LXXVII-of cooks and waiters'-woodcut