View of the Port of Dieppe c. 1727

Jean-Baptiste Oudry’s "View of the Port of Dieppe" presents us with a seemingly simple scene of maritime life, rendered in ink on laid paper. Yet, beneath the surface lies a constellation of symbols deeply rooted in our collective consciousness. Consider the fishing net, draped so casually over the tree branch. It speaks of abundance, drawing on ancient symbols of fertility and provision. We see echoes of this in ancient Roman mosaics, where nets overflowing with fish signal prosperity. But nets also ensnare; they represent fate, the inescapable pull of destiny. The sea itself is a potent force, embodying both the promise of new horizons and the threat of the unknown. Its waves connect us to primordial myths of creation and destruction, evoking a sense of awe and vulnerability. The presence of the cliff reminds us of the divide between land and water, safety and danger, known and unknown. It’s a powerful image, engaging our subconscious fears and desires in equal measure. Like the cyclical nature of tides, the symbols in Oudry's Dieppe resurface throughout art history, each time nuanced by the cultural moment.