Prospekt af København 1760

Jonas Haas created this print of Copenhagen in the 18th century, capturing a bird’s-eye view teeming with maritime activity. The ships, symbols of trade and exploration, dominate the harbor and evoke a sense of both adventure and the ever-present dangers of the sea. Observe how the artist places the ships and windmills – symbols of human ingenuity – against the vastness of the sky and water. These elements echo across centuries, appearing in Dutch Golden Age paintings, where ships symbolize national pride and mercantile power. Yet, the psychological resonance of the sea remains constant: it represents both the promise of new horizons and the lurking, unconscious fear of the unknown. Note, too, the subtle presence of the dog in the foreground. This ancient motif, often associated with fidelity and guidance, recurs in various forms throughout art history. The dog's watchful gaze reminds us that even in the midst of bustling commerce, loyalty and vigilance remain timeless virtues. Thus, the symbols in Haas’s image reveal a non-linear progression through time, constantly evolving.