De baai van Napels 1682 - 1730

This print of the Bay of Naples was created by Pieter van der Aa around the turn of the 18th century. Dominating the scene are the ships at sea, symbols of trade, exploration, and naval power that were central to the anxieties of the Dutch Golden Age. But observe how these ships, while indicative of progress, also evoke a deeper, more primal connection to the sea. Vessels have long been potent symbols, think of the ship of souls carrying the dead to the afterlife in various cultures. In ancient Egypt, the sun god Ra traversed the sky daily in a solar boat, and ships appear in countless myths and legends. This recurs throughout time, reflecting humanity's enduring relationship with the sea as both a source of life and a realm of unknown terrors. This image taps into the collective memory, stirring emotions of adventure, uncertainty, and the eternal quest for what lies beyond the horizon.