Gezicht op het IJ met roeiboot 1717 - 1770

This etching of the IJ river by Frederik Ottens captures the bustling maritime activity of the 18th century. Dominating the scene are ships adorned with flags, symbols of national identity and trade. The flag—a motif laden with historical weight—serves not only as a marker of origin but also as a psychological assertion of power and presence. We see echoes of this throughout history, from ancient Roman vexilla to modern-day national banners; a potent visual shorthand that stirs deep-seated emotions of belonging and allegiance. Even in antiquity, flags indicated military presence and asserted dominance, a tradition that continues. Consider how the simple act of raising a flag can transform a space, imbuing it with layers of meaning and emotional resonance. In viewing this etching, we are not merely observing a scene, but engaging with the enduring human impulse to mark territory and assert identity. The symbol has not only persisted but evolved, adapting to new political and social landscapes.