Schepen in een haven aan een rotsachtige kust 1759

Noël Le Mire crafted this print, "Ships in a Harbor on a Rocky Coast," in the 18th century, capturing a bustling port scene. Dominating the scene are the ships, symbols of trade and exploration, their flags a clear declaration of national identity and commercial ambition. Consider the recurring image of ships throughout history, from ancient Egyptian barques carrying souls to the afterlife, to the Viking longboats, symbols of conquest. Even now, cargo ships crisscross our oceans, laden with commodities, not unlike Le Mire’s. This act of transport, a basic human desire to traverse waters, taps into our collective unconscious. Reflect on the psychological weight of harbors: places of departure and return, of hope and uncertainty. As you stand before this artwork, let the ships carry you across time. Observe how such symbols resurface, evolve, and acquire new meanings.