The inventory of Clement de Jonghe (1679) included a plate called schipr Gerbrandts soontjen (Captain Gerbrandt’s son). Several authors think that this entry refers to this etching, although nothing is known about this captain or his relationship with Rembrandt. This view is not supported in the New Hollstein.

A travelling salesman shows a spectacle in his left hand. The long item dangling at his right hip is probably a leather sheet, used to sharpen knifes. Rembrandt made several etchings of beggars in the years 1629-1630. After four years he returns to the subject, but this time with a somewhat larger, more ‘mature’ versions.

This etching is used as illustration in a book by Elias Herckmans (1596-1644), Der Zee-vaert Lof, published by Jacob Pieterszn. Wachter in Amsterdam in 1634. Many scholars have expressed their opinion on what is represented in the picture. Even more difficult to determine is the meaning of it. Chapter III of the book, of which this plate is the prefix, deals with the Roman Empire, starting in 27 BC with the reign of August and ending with the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. It could be, as often suggested, that the horseman is Mark Anthony defeated in the battle of Actium (31 BC) by August. It could also be an allegory of the Roman Empire. In that case both beginning and end of the Empire is shown, in line with the book. The prominent presence of a statute of Janus and the closing of the doors of his Temple, a sign of peace being restored. The naked woman is probably Fortuna, the goddess of fortune and misfortune. She is often shown nude, in the presence of boats, full blown sails and a globe. The man on the wheel is then probably Neptune. It is possible that Rembrandt referred to both the historical context as well as to the contemporary peace-negotiations between the Spanish and Dutch. They were resumed after the battle near Slaak on 13 September 1631. If successful, it would certainly help the traders in the Dutch Republic. Another interpretation is that the horsemen is in fact St.Paul, in his military costume. Although Paul is mentioned in the book, there are many reasons to reject this hypothesis. Like the fact that the same chapter contains an engraving by Willem Base of the shipwreck in which Paul is involved.