De veerboot 1617 - 1660

This print, "The Ferryboat," was made in the 17th century by Matthieu van Plattenberg, and depicts a common river-crossing scene. But consider the symbolism of water itself – a boundary, a transition. Water, in its essence, is a symbol of life and purification, but also represents the unknown, the chaotic. Here, the act of crossing water, facilitated by the ferry, becomes a potent metaphor. It echoes ancient myths, such as Charon ferrying souls across the River Styx, or even the biblical crossing of the River Jordan. The journey symbolizes a transition from one state to another, a leaving behind of the old self, and an embrace of the new. The journey also speaks to our human desire to overcome obstacles, to explore the unknown. It's a visual expression of our shared human experiences of change and transformation. The emotional weight of this piece lies in the universal experience of transition, the hopes and fears of stepping into the unknown. In Plattenberg's rendering, the ferry is more than just a boat; it's a vessel of our collective aspirations, fears, and dreams.