Portret van David Vlugh 1858 - 1862

This is a lithograph of David Vlugh made by Frederik Hendrik Weissenbruch. Notice the anchor and cannon at the base of the portrait, symbols deeply intertwined with ideas of hope and steadfastness. The anchor, since ancient times, has signified safety and stability, becoming a Christian symbol of hope. Consider its appearance in the Catacombs of Rome, or in the dreams of ancient seafarers. Similarly, cannons reflect a martial and protective posture, a readiness against the storms of life. These motifs, though seemingly straightforward, carry the weight of centuries, echoing in funerary art, emblems, and even modern-day tattoos. The recurring use of these symbols reveals a collective human desire for security amidst the chaos, a psychic anchoring we seek across generations. Note the tension between the calm expression of Vlugh himself, and the potential for chaos suggested by the military artifacts. This evokes a deep, subconscious emotional response. Thus, images of anchors and cannons have resurfaced and evolved, taking on new meanings in different eras. They endure as powerful reminders of humanity's ongoing negotiation with the uncertainties of existence.