The Perpendicular Descent

Category

Library Item

Item no

24723

Title

The Perpendicular Descent, Figure 33 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'.

Artist / maker

Thevenot, Melchisedech

Date

1699

Size

8.6 x 6.0 cm

Type

Etching

Location

Reference Library

The accompanying text reads: This is proper for those who leap off from any height into the water, as from a Bridge or Ship: This is performed by taking a little leap forwards, and sometimes upwards, that your descent may be more perpendicular, or swifter to the bottom, and also that your head may go perpendicularly downwards. This way is very Commodious, when you have a very deep water, and it cannot be performed after any more ready method, because of the difficulty of holding ones breath.

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Related subjects

Landscape > Water > Rivers and streams

People > Adults > Men

Sport and leisure > Activities > Swimming

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