Wapentrofee met tritons, een vis en schaaldieren 1663

Hubert Quellinus crafted this "Wapentrofee met tritons, een vis en schaaldieren" using pen in the 17th century. Here, we see a cascade of sea creatures and cherubic figures, all meticulously rendered. The tritons, those mermen of classical lore, and the assortment of sea life are not merely decorative. These symbols evoke the power and mystery of the sea, reflecting a fascination that stretches back to ancient Greece and Rome. Think of Neptune, god of the sea, and the maritime imagery adorning countless ships and buildings across Europe. Consider the turtle at the bottom, often linked to longevity and stability. Yet, its symbolic journey is complex. In some cultures, it represents creation and the earth, while in others, it embodies wisdom. This layering of meanings speaks to the powerful way images accumulate significance over time. Just as the ocean itself is a vast repository of history, these symbols resonate with our collective memory, stirring something deep within our subconscious.