Gezicht op Brielle 1666 - 1698

Joost van Geel's monochrome etching presents a panoramic view of Brielle, capturing the essence of a bustling Dutch port. The scene is dominated by symbols of maritime power and civic pride, flags and ships, emblems of trade and defense. Consider the ships themselves. Vessels have carried cultural meanings far beyond their practical function, symbolizing voyages into the unknown, the transport of ideas, and the exchange of human experience. This can be traced back to ancient Egyptian funerary boats which carried souls to the afterlife. The act of 'departure' holds deep psychological significance, evoking a sense of longing and the hope for transformation. Even the depiction of water, whether calm or turbulent, has consistently served as a metaphor for the human subconscious. These motifs have the power to connect us to collective memories. Van Geel's print is a powerful reminder of how symbols transcend time, and how his depiction of Brielle is part of a much wider visual language.