16th Century Sea Scenes
Sabbattini and Furttenbach create some of
the earliest descriptions of the sea scenes. Sabbattini’s primary concerns were the sea cloth,
variations on the profile wave and the column wave. Furttenbach was most
interested by several profile waves: still, sliding and profiles on a shaft (a
version of the column wave), and the unique upstanding wave. These inventions
continued in use and underwent further innovations in the 17th and
18th centuries. Furttenbach believes the easiest sea scene can be
displayed by simply leaning a profile wave board against the upstage wall.
Furttenbach believes a more believable sea scene can be achieved by cutting a
profile of a more dramatic wave, tracking it on the most upstage set of
shutters, and moving it back and forth rhythmically.
Furttenbach’s Violent Wave:
Furttenbach also suggests that by mounting four profile waves on
different shafts and rotating them, the offset waves would suggest a much more
violent current.
Sabbattini’s Column Wave:
Sabbattini substituted a serpentine column for Furttenbach’s shaft
of profiles. This method created a more realistic effect.
17th Century Palatina Wave Machine
