Steekspel in boten bij het drijvende theater op het Rokin, 1638 1638

Salomon Savery etched this scene of "Steekspel in boten bij het drijvende theater op het Rokin" in 1638, capturing a tournament on the water, right here in Amsterdam. The presence of a classical building as a backdrop in the scene is striking; its columns and statues evoke images of ancient amphitheaters, where public spectacles were common. This deliberate reference invites us to consider how societies throughout history have used such gatherings—be they theatrical or sporting—to express collective identity and communal values. Similar themes of communal identity and spectacle are present in Roman triumphal arches, but here, the classical architectural style is adopted in a totally different context. The image reflects a conscious effort to emulate and adapt classical forms to celebrate contemporary events. This evolution reminds us of the psychological depth in collective memory; how we select, adapt, and transform symbols over time to reflect new experiences. This image reflects how our cultural memory shapes our present, and shows how symbols transform through the passage of time.