Gezicht van Amsterdam, aan de oost zyde. / Gezicht van Schiedam, aan de zyde van de Maas 1804

This print by Hermanus van Lubeek depicts Amsterdam and Schiedam, evoking the spirit of Dutch maritime power. Ships, the dominant symbol here, are more than mere vessels; they are embodiments of trade, exploration, and the relentless human drive across the seas. Consider how the ship motif traverses time and cultures. In ancient Egypt, ships carried souls to the afterlife, while in Norse mythology, they bore Viking warriors to Valhalla. This symbol echoes in votive ships found in churches, offerings for safe passage. It’s a recurring image of transition and destiny, reflecting deep-seated anxieties and hopes about life's journey. Here, ships engage our collective memory, touching primal fears and aspirations. Their presence in these cityscapes underlines not only economic strength but humanity's enduring relationship with the sea, a bond forged in risk and reward. The cyclical nature of this symbol reminds us of the eternal dance between man and the elements, a narrative continuously rewritten across history.