

How to Use the Images


Inquiry Question

Historical Context



Painting 2
Diagram 1
Diagram 2
Photo 1 and 2


Table of

Visual Evidence

Painting 1: The Urca de Lima. Painted by William Trotter. [Painting 1] with link to larger version of photo.
(Painting courtesy William Trotter)

Urcas were flat-bottomed, round-bellied supply ships originally designed for use in the shallow, rough waters off the coast of Flanders (a region including parts of modern Belgium, France, and the Netherlands). They were adopted for use in the Spanish treasure fleets because of their strength and cargo carrying capacity.

Although the Urca de Lima (named for its owner Miguel de Lima) did not have any royal treasure onboard, it did carry 81 chests and some loose sacks of private silver as well as general cargo consisting of hundreds of uncured cowhides, packets of chocolate, vanilla, sassafras, and incense.

Questions for Painting 1

1. What moment is the painting depicting? Why do you think the artist chose this?

2. Why were urcas useful for the Spanish treasure fleet system?

3. What cargo did the ship carry? Why do you think it did not carry any royal treasure? (Refer to Reading 1 if necessary.)

4. Based on Readings 1 and 2, what role did the ship play in assisting survivors?




Comments or Questions

National Park Service arrowhead with link to NPS website.