Den hollandske flåde på Københavns Red 1658 1658

Willem van de Velde the Elder captured the Dutch fleet on Copenhagen’s Roads in 1658 with pen and brush in grey. The scene is dominated by ships, symbols of power and trade, with flags displaying national identity. Consider the mast: it is a potent symbol reaching back to antiquity, a vertical axis that connects the terrestrial with the celestial, mirroring ancient obelisks and sacred trees. Here, the mast grounds the ship, a vessel traversing the seas, embodying human ambition and the desire for exploration. This motif has traveled through time, appearing in different contexts from religious iconography to emblems of state power. Notice how the ship cuts through the water, a visual metaphor for mankind navigating the turbulent waters of existence. These vessels trigger a collective memory, evoking a sense of both adventure and the inherent risks of maritime life. This is a primal narrative, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The symbolism continues to evolve, resurfacing in contemporary contexts.