XIV Sit oneri, erit usui 1614

Editor: This is a page from Roemer Visscher's "XIV Sit oneri, erit usui," dated 1614. It’s a print, so ink on paper. The engraving of the ship is what grabbed my attention. There’s almost a sense of resilience radiating from it, and something else. I'm curious, what layers do you see in this piece that I might be missing? Curator: That’s a great start. Seeing it as an engraving firmly roots this piece within a specific moment of burgeoning Dutch global trade and, importantly, national identity formation. Ask yourself, how were images used to promote not just trade, but an entire ideology? Notice how the print appears alongside text—this wasn't just about art, but about conveying ideas, weren’t they? Editor: Right, it's an emblem book. So the image and text work together. How would an engraving like this shape public opinion, given that printed images were becoming more widely accessible? Curator: Precisely. Think about the cultural and political context. The Dutch Golden Age was underway, fueled by maritime power. How might this image of a ship – specifically, note the large amount of cargo that is below the waterline - relate to Dutch economic prowess and the nation's self-image on global stage? Consider what a common phrase "Sit oneri, erit usui” can convey. Editor: So, it’s not just a pretty ship; it's tied to the growing Dutch Republic's economic strength, with maybe an underlying message of overcoming adversity and perseverance, related to public morale. Thank you so much. Curator: Exactly! And don't forget to consider the power of these accessible images to promote shared values and justify economic and political dominance. Looking at art through that lens really opens it up.