Tafereelen uit het leven van Michiel Adriaansz. de Ruiter 1850 - 1881

This print, made by D. Noothoven van Goor, depicts scenes from the life of Michiel Adriaansz. de Ruyter, a Dutch admiral. Note the motif of maritime power throughout these scenes. Ships, battles, and admirals all emphasize the glory and might associated with naval dominance. This motif echoes across centuries, from ancient Roman naval triumphs to the Viking sagas, each culture celebrating its dominion over the seas. Consider how the ship, a vessel of exploration and conquest, transforms. Initially a symbol of progress and discovery, it evolves into a symbol of imperial power, carrying both the promise of new horizons and the threat of domination. This transition reflects our collective ambivalence towards progress, a subconscious tension between hope and fear. This cyclical recurrence of symbols across time underscores our enduring fascination with power, courage, and the complex legacy of maritime exploration.