Suspension by the Chin

Category

Library Item

Item no

24709

Title

Suspension by the Chin, Figure 19 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

5.6 x 8.6 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Reference Library

The accompanying text reads: You cannot easily imagine how this manner of Swimming is performed, it is indeed very surprising. By this means you may stand upright in the water though never so deep, without fear of sinking. To make you comprehend it, you are to remember that when you Swim on your back, you lye [lie] still, your Legs being extended: When you find yourself in that posture, you must let your legs go down, or sink; and when they come to be perpendicular to the bottom, you must take them up again, bending your knees, inflating your Breast, and as to the Arms and Hands whereof the back-parts lye [lie] flat on the water by the shoulders, you must sometimes extend them on the one side, sometimes on the other, sometimes shut them, turning the Palms towards the bottom, the fingers close to one another, holding your Chin upright as possible. This way which seems so surprising, is sometimes very useful; suppose at any time, the Ice should happen to break under your Feet, this way will be of vast advantage to secure yourself from the danger. It may also be very advantageous in case a man is obliged to save himself from some enemy pursuing, by leaping into the water in a dark night; for in that case, one may wait, without making any noise, till he is passed by, then go again on shore.

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Related subjects

Landscape > Water > Rivers and streams

People > Adults > Men

Sport and leisure > Activities > Swimming

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