Onno HeesbeenSS Raffaello 1965 - A Journey from Sketch to Grand Canvas
Back in 2010, I found myself diving deep into the world of maritime history for a special project. I was commissioned to create a series of illustrations for the book Michelangelo e Raffaello by Maurizio Eliseo and Simone Bandini.
Among them was the SS Raffaello, a vessel that captured my imagination like no other. It was the 1960s, a time when airplanes were swiftly overtaking the romance of ocean liners for transatlantic voyages. Yet, the Italian Line—Italia Società di Navigazione—dared to dream big, launching the SS Raffaello and her sister ship, the Michelangelo, as floating masterpieces of Italian design.
What struck me most about the Raffaello was her unmistakable "Italian DNA." She wasn't just another European liner; she stood apart with her innovative architectural superstructure, expansive open decks, and those quirky, almost whimsical funnels that seemed to whisper of mid-century flair. Inside, the extravagance was palpable—interiors styled after the hottest Italian trends, dripping with luxury that made every crossing feel like a high-society affair. But as fate would have it, the tides of progress turned quickly. By 1975, she was retired, a beautiful relic of an era slipping away.
Capturing her essence in that original illustration was pure joy. I pored over old blueprints, photographs, and stories, sketching her lines with a sense of nostalgia for a time I never lived. That smaller print became a favorite in my collection, a compact tribute to her grandeur that fit neatly on a desk or wall, sparking conversations about forgotten seafaring legends.
Fast forward to today, and I've revisited that passion with a fresh twist. Inspired by the enduring allure of the Raffaello, I've scaled up the illustration into something truly immersive—a massive, museum-quality Giclée print stretching a full meter long. This new variant isn't just bigger; it's a portal to the past, drawn with even greater precision based on exhaustive research: original photographs, detailed drawings, general arrangement plans, and authentic design specs. Printed on premium 260gsm, acid- and lignin-free paper with a lustrous finish, it's built to endure for generations, much like the ship's legacy. The image itself measures 100 x 37 cm, framed by a subtle 3 cm white border that makes mounting and displaying a breeze (though the frame itself is up to you, to match your own style).
Imagining this print in a living room or study, it's like having a piece of history unfurl before you—the Raffaello slicing through the waves, her funnels catching the light, inviting you to daydream about glamorous voyages long gone. It's been rewarding to evolve that 2010 sketch into this grand edition, blending my love for design with the ship's timeless story. If you're a fellow admirer of maritime marvels, this might just be the perfect way to bring a bit of that Italian elegance into your space.
Illustrations available in my shop shop.onnozone.com
MICHELANGELO E RAFFAELLO
Subtitle: LA FINE DI UN’EPOCA
Author: BANDINI S. ELISEO M.
Publisher: ULRICO HOEPLI EDITORE
ISBN: 9788820375416
If you interested to read more about the book then check this references:
