Ancient Naval Battle (Recto); Park with Monuments (Verso) 17th century

This pen and brown ink drawing depicts an ancient naval battle, brimming with classical iconography. The muscular figures, reminiscent of ancient Roman sculptures, strain against the oars, their faces etched with determination. Consider the enduring symbol of the ship itself, a vessel traversing not only water but also the sea of time. Ships reappear in various contexts, from funerary boats carrying souls to the afterlife in ancient Egypt, to the ships in medieval tapestries symbolizing journeys and quests. In each instance, the ship embodies a transition, a crossing from one state to another, laden with hope, fear, and the weight of destiny. The intensity of the battle scene evokes a primal response, tapping into our collective memory of conflict and survival. This visceral connection transcends time, reminding us that certain human experiences—struggle, ambition, and the will to persevere—are eternally recurring motifs in the grand tapestry of history.