Plattegrond van Palermo 1735

This map of Palermo presents us with a visual tapestry, rich in symbols of power and maritime might. Look closely at the lower half of the artwork, where the ships engage in naval combat, plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. The symbolism of ships extends far back into antiquity, think of the barque of Ra, sailing across the celestial ocean, carrying the sun god through cycles of death and rebirth. In the context of Palermo, these ships signify not only trade and exploration, but also the city’s vulnerability to invasion and the constant struggle for dominance over the seas. The representation of naval warfare evokes a powerful emotional response, tapping into our collective memory of conflict, struggle, and the transient nature of power. Just as the sun god is reborn each day, the city of Palermo, too, has been rebuilt time and again. The ships remain emblems of our persistent aspirations and fears.