Titelvignet til et søkort: "Kaart over Belterne og Sundet" 1799

This is J.F. Clemens' preparatory drawing for a chart of the Belts and the Sound. Note the crowned monogram hovering amidst the clouds, a symbol of royal authority and divine right, reminiscent of celestial blessings upon the land and its governance. Below, a reclining figure, perhaps a river god or a personification of maritime power, rests amidst cannonballs and a flag. This motif of reclining figures harkens back to classical antiquity, seen in depictions of river gods, symbolizing dominion over natural forces. Consider how these motifs—the divine monogram and the classical figure—recur throughout history, adapting to different cultural contexts. The river god, for instance, evolves from ancient deities to allegorical figures in Renaissance fountains, each time carrying the weight of past meanings while acquiring new layers of significance. This drawing is not merely a sketch but a confluence of symbols, charged with historical memory, each element resonating with echoes from the past.