Aankomst in Brindisi na oversteek van de Adriatische zee 1778

Louis Ducros rendered this wash drawing, "Arrival in Brindisi after crossing the Adriatic Sea," with ink and graphite. Note the recurring motif of the torch, carried aloft by figures on the shore, signaling guidance and hope. This symbol transcends time; consider the Statue of Liberty, her torch a beacon for immigrants, echoing ancient lighthouses guiding ships to safe harbor. But, let us not forget its darker origins in pagan rituals and triumphal processions. Here, in Brindisi, the torch embodies both promise and the primal human need for direction. Observe how the torch illuminates faces, casting dramatic shadows, evoking a sense of urgency and emotional intensity. This interplay of light and shadow speaks to the subconscious—the chiaroscuro reflects our own internal struggles, fears, and aspirations as we seek safe passage. The torch thus persists, evolving yet retaining its core, a testament to our collective memory and the enduring power of symbols to stir the soul.