Schepen op de rivier de Sambas 1843 - 1845

This is Paulus Lauters’s print of ships on the Sambas River. The vessels, with their high masts and distinct sails, speak volumes about maritime culture, commerce, and travel. Boats, from antiquity to the present day, evoke powerful symbols. They are associated with journeys, adventures, and the crossing of boundaries. The image of a boat transcends mere transportation; it embodies the hopes, dreams, and fears of those who set sail. Think of ancient Egypt, where boats were not only essential for navigating the Nile but also symbolized the journey to the afterlife. These boats carried souls across the cosmic waters. Similarly, the Greek myth of Charon ferrying souls across the River Styx emphasizes the boat as a vehicle for transition and transformation. Even in contemporary art, boats continue to appear, often carrying metaphors of migration, displacement, and longing. The emotional resonance of these nautical motifs persists. The subconscious lure of water and the promise of distant shores continue to draw us in, reminding us of our shared human desire for exploration and discovery. This image evokes a deep, primal connection to the sea.