Zeichnung zur Fibel_ Schiff before 1905

This ship drawing was made by Hans Thoma, and it lives in the Städel Museum. The vessel cuts through still waters, its sails reaching high, evoking a sense of transition and passage. Since antiquity, the ship has been a powerful symbol, representing the journey of life, the soul's voyage, or even the Church navigating the seas of existence. Think of the ancient Egyptians, who buried ships with pharaohs to transport them to the afterlife, or the Vikings, whose longboats carried warriors to new lands and Valhalla. Here, the ship, rendered with meticulous detail, prompts us to consider its psychological weight. It’s a vessel of hope and dreams, but also of potential peril. This duality taps into our collective memory, stirring deep-seated emotions and fears associated with the unknown. The calm waters reflect not just the ship, but also our own subconscious, mirroring our hopes and anxieties. The symbol of the ship is not static. It evolves, takes on new meanings, and resurfaces throughout history, each time carrying the echoes of its past voyages.