Plate with the sinking of the fleet of Seleucus (from the Pucci Service) 1532

This plate depicting the sinking of Seleucus' fleet was crafted by Francesco Xanto Avelli in the 16th century. The scene teems with figures in dynamic disarray amidst a naval disaster, but observe the symbolic flag bearing the name "Seleuco." Flags throughout history have been used as symbols of power, allegiance, and identity. From ancient Roman vexilla to modern national banners, they evoke a sense of collective memory and pride. Consider the evolution of the swastika, originally a symbol of good fortune that was tragically transformed into an emblem of hatred. Here, the flag marks not triumph but defeat, a poignant inversion of its traditional role. This plate then becomes more than mere decoration, it is a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of history, where symbols can be both celebrated and reviled, their meanings forever altered by the currents of time and the shifting sands of collective experience.