View of Venice [upper center block] 1500

Jacopo de' Barbari created this ‘View of Venice’ around 1500, and it is replete with symbols that echo through time. Dominating the scene are figures from classical mythology. Neptune, god of the sea, kneels amidst clouds, holding his trident, a clear nod to Venice's maritime power and dominion over the waters. In the upper right, we see another godlike figure, perhaps Boreas, god of the North Wind. These figures are not mere decoration; they are a deliberate invocation of Venice's power, safety, and divine favor. Consider Neptune’s trident. It’s not merely a symbol of power, but also of control over the chaotic forces of nature. We see similar motifs in ancient Greek pottery and Roman mosaics, where gods wield their attributes to assert dominance. Yet, here in Venice, the symbol takes on a political dimension, reflecting the city's aspirations for control over trade routes and naval supremacy. The emotional resonance of these symbols is profound. They tap into our collective memory, evoking feelings of awe, respect, and perhaps even fear. This engraving is not just a map; it is a powerful statement about Venice's place in the world, a testament to the enduring power of symbols across time.