Twee driemasters voor anker 1610 - 1665

This is an etching of three-masted ships at anchor, made by an anonymous artist. Note the names inscribed beneath each ship: ‘de Vrede’ and ‘de Hoop’ – ‘the Peace’ and ‘the Hope.’ The symbolic pairing of peace and hope dates back to ancient times, resonating across cultures. Consider the olive branch, an emblem of peace in Greek mythology, often entwined with images of new beginnings or optimistic futures. The recurring motif of ships embodies the hopes and fears associated with voyages into the unknown, and appears in the art of many different eras. These symbols are laden with psychological weight, tapping into our collective memory of human resilience and aspiration. The visual juxtaposition of ‘Peace’ and ‘Hope’ creates a powerful emotional tension, reminding us of the delicate balance between our desires for tranquility and our innate drive to navigate life’s turbulent waters.