Drie oorlogsschepen voor anker bij een vuurtoren 1561 - 1565

Frans Huys created this print of three warships anchored near a lighthouse in the mid-16th century. The lighthouse is a prominent visual symbol, its light historically representing guidance, safety, and hope. We can see how the lighthouse motif has evolved over time, stretching back to the ancient Library of Alexandria. It was once a symbol of knowledge and navigation; now it becomes a beacon of warning and a reminder of the dangers of the sea. Similarly, the ships signify power, exploration, and commerce but also conflict and the unknown. Consider the psychoanalytic weight these symbols carry. The sea, often a metaphor for the subconscious, mirrors the emotional turbulence of the era. The lighthouse, then, is a powerful symbol, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, promising direction amidst uncertainty. The non-linear progression of this symbol has resurfaced and evolved over time, taking on new meanings throughout history.