Bemanningsleden in gebed in het Behouden Huys op Nova Zembla 1839 - 1845

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this image of crew members praying in the Behouden Huys on Nova Zembla, using etching techniques. Observe the central symbol, the hourglass. Historically, it has been used to mark the passage of time, often reminding us of our mortality. Here, it also speaks of the finite resources and hope of rescue dwindling with each grain of sand. We can see a similar motif echoing through various eras, like the "Vanitas" paintings of the Dutch Golden Age, where skulls and decaying fruit served a similar purpose. The act of prayer itself, with its folded hands and bowed heads, can be seen repeated across countless works of art throughout history. It is a universal gesture of supplication and hope, connecting us to a primal need for solace and intervention. It reminds us of the emotional power of faith, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The image is not simply a depiction of a past event; it’s a conduit through which symbols of time and faith cyclically resurface, constantly evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.