Saturday, October 9, 2010

Vrouw Maria

Just two months after Walter Scott's birth, the Dutch merchant ship Vrouw Maria sank (October 9, 1771).  The Vrouw Maria was carrying several works of art purchased by Catherine the Great, in addition to some basic commodities. 

The Vrouw Maria, which has recently been located, has not inspired ghost tales like the story of The Flying Dutchman.  Of the Flying Dutchman, Sir Walter Scott wrote in his poem "Rokeby" that 'She is distinguished from earthly vessels by bearing a press of sail when other vessels are unable, from stress of weather, to show an inch of canvas.'

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