Ferryboat in Didube 

Niko Pirosmani painted "Ferryboat in Didube" on oilcloth, a material he often used due to his humble means. Note the flag emblazoned with a red cross. It signals more than just a means of transport, it evokes notions of salvation and safe passage. The cross, an ancient symbol, evolves over time, from early Christian iconography to emblems of protection during the Crusades, resurfacing in modern-day humanitarian efforts. The image of the cross elicits deep-seated emotional responses, a testament to the enduring power of collective memory. Much like Charon's ferry in ancient Greek mythology transporting souls across the river Styx, Pirosmani's ferry becomes a vessel of transition. It symbolizes the journey of life, the crossing from one state to another, a concept deeply embedded in our cultural consciousness. It echoes through centuries, appearing in different guises, yet always retaining its potent symbolism.