Galei met soldaten op zee 1667

This small etching, rendered by Abraham Dircksz. Santvoort, depicts galleys filled with soldiers at sea. Note the galley’s prow, adorned with what appears to be a grotesque mask. This motif, often used for apotropaic purposes, is one that carries with it a complex history. These intimidating faces were meant to ward off evil, a tradition stretching back to ancient Greece and Rome. The image of the Gorgon, Medusa, whose petrifying gaze offered protection, comes to mind. But even earlier, in ancient Egypt, similar symbols protected tombs and sacred spaces. Over time, this protective function evolved, and these figures began to represent not just defense against external threats but also the darker aspects of the human psyche. Reflect on how this symbol of primal fear and protection resonates even today, revealing how the past continues to navigate our present.