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Popular Superstitions: Shooting an Albatross (colour litho)
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Popular Superstitions: Shooting an Albatross (colour litho)
8668747 Popular Superstitions: Shooting an Albatross (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Shooting an Albatross. There is a very widespread idea among sailors that the shooting of an Albatross will bring great misfortune to the slayer, his shipmates, and their vessel. The superstition seems to have existed from the time of the early navigators of the Southern Ocean, who believed that the souls of drowned mariners entered the bodies of these birds. In Coleridge's "Ryme of the Ancient Mariner, " from which our picture is an illustration, we see how the dire condition to which the ship and crew are reduced is brought about by the shooting of an Albatross. Illustration for one of a set of 25 cigarette cards on the subject of Popular Superstitions issued by Godfrey Phillips in 1930.); © Look and Learn
Media ID 38197478
© © Look and Learn / Bridgeman Images
Albatross Chronometry Mariners Sailoress Seaman Shooting A Weapon Supersition Superstition Superstitious Time Timepieces General Knowledge Knowing
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This colour lithograph titled "Popular Superstitions: Shooting an Albatross" by the English School from the 20th century delves into the intriguing world of maritime superstitions. The image depicts a sailor aiming his weapon at an albatross, symbolizing the ancient belief that such an act would bring great misfortune to all involved.
Sailors have long held superstitions about these majestic birds, believing that they house the souls of drowned mariners. This particular superstition is famously depicted in Coleridge's poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner," where shooting an albatross leads to disastrous consequences for the ship and its crew.
This illustration is part of a set of cigarette cards on Popular Superstitions issued by Godfrey Phillips in 1930, shedding light on various beliefs and practices throughout history. The vivid colours and intricate details capture the essence of this age-old superstition, inviting viewers to ponder the power of folklore and tradition in shaping human behavior.
As we gaze upon this print, we are reminded of how deeply ingrained superstitions can be in our collective consciousness, influencing our actions and perceptions in ways both mysterious and profound.
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