Officier aan dek 1778 - 1838

Anthonie van den Bos created this work titled ‘Officier aan dek’ with etching. Here, we see symbols of navigation intertwined with the compass and square of Freemasonry. This emblem, prominently displayed, suggests an alignment between seafaring exploration and the Enlightenment ideals of reason and self-improvement. The officer, using a sextant, is not merely charting physical courses, but also navigating the waters of knowledge and spiritual understanding. Consider how the compass, originally a tool for earthly navigation, appears in medieval art to symbolize divine guidance, pointing humanity towards moral and spiritual north. Over time, this symbol has resurfaced, evolving from religious contexts to secular ones, signifying progress, discovery, and the human quest for enlightenment. Its constant presence across centuries reveals a deep-seated desire to find our way, both literally and figuratively, through the complexities of existence. The powerful allure of these symbols taps into our collective memory, engaging us on a subconscious level and forging a connection between the past and the present.