An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Fig. 478. Naumachia, from a coin of Domitian.

Naumachia (ναῦς, a ship, and μάχη, a battle). (1) A spectacle representing a sea-fight, a subject frequently represented on coins and sculptures. (2) A building erected for such shows. Napoleon I. had a theatre at Milan filled with water for a sea-fight.

Fig. 479. Nautilus. Device of the Affidati Academy.

Nautilus. A shell-fish that sails on the surface of the sea in its shell. Its spiral univalve shell is a common motive in ornamental design.

“Learn of the little nautilus to sail,

Spread the thin oar, and catch the driving gale.”

(Pope.)

The illustration is the device of the Affidati, an Italian literary Academy, with the motto “Safe above and below.”