To advance forwards in Swimming

Category

Library Item

Item no

24702

Title

To advance forwards in Swimming with the hands joined together, Figure 12 from The Art of Swimming

Description

A drawing of a naked figure immersed in water illustrating a swimming technique described in the 17th century volume, 'The Art of Swimming'.

Date

1699

Size

5.5 x 8.8 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Reference Library

The accompanying text reads: This is one of the first and most simple ways of Swimming, and is also very graceful. In the practice of it you hold your Hands joined together, drawing them in towards the Breast, and successively striking them out again. The two Hands remain all the while joined, insomuch that the Thumbs and Fingers turned being turned towards the surface of the water, seem to [?] of it. Besides the gracefulness of [this way?] of Swimming, it is moreover more serviceable for traversing, or Swimming across a heap of Weeds, &c. for the Hands thus being joined as it were in a point open a passage for you through Weeds or Reeds, if they chance to oppose you, especially if you take care not to strike your hands out too far.

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Related subjects

Landscape > Water > Rivers and streams

People > Adults > Women

Sport and leisure > Activities > Swimming

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