Ship of fools

The book

In 1494, German author Sebastian Brant published “Das Narrenschiff” (The Ship of Fools). In the book, fools, also known as idiots or imbeciles, travel to Narragonia, the paradise of fools. One by one, they end up in foolish, ridiculous scenes, demonstrating how not to behave.

The text consists of more than 100 chapters, all structured in the same way: a short motto, a woodcut, a title and a poem. The illustrations support the message of the text. This unity between text and image was a new way of working around 1500. Various artists worked on the woodcuts. Most are anonymous, but the main artist is thought to be the young Albrecht Dürer. He went on to become one of the most important artists of the Northern Renaissance.

The book was an instant success and copies and translations quickly circulated throughout Europe. Between 1494 and 1500, no fewer than 28 versions of the book were published. It was translated into Latin, French, English and Middle Dutch, among other languages. Each translation had several editions.

Medieval humour

The Ship of Fools is a satirical text. The author uses humour to hold up a mirror to society. The book is so popular that it even forms the basis of a new genre: fool literature. The jester is an example of how not to behave. It is therefore a form of instruction through negativity, also known as ex negativo. In this way, the texts try to encourage people to behave in the right way. Alongside The Ship of Fools, Erasmus's 1511 work Praise of Folly is perhaps the best-known example of this genre.

One of the chapters is about laziness. The sloth, dressed as a jester, thinks that everything will be handed to him on a plate. He rides a lobster, but it only moves backwards. He keeps his mouth open in the hope that a roasted bird will fly in, but unfortunately the flying bird is still alive and well. Finally, he leans on a piece of reed to keep his balance, which is so fragile that it breaks under his weight. Each of these is an example of vain hope. Admire the image at the bottom of this page.

The figure of the jester lends itself perfectly to this message. He embodies human folly. Nothing and no one escapes ridicule: a corrupt judge, a drunkard, a rich miser, adulterous women, vain people... they all make an appearance. Brant's underlying message is clear: we are all fools. The author ends on a positive note: those who recognise and acknowledge their own foolishness and want to change can be cured of it.