Allegory of Water 

Jeremias Wachsmuth created this allegory of water, sometime in the 18th century. During this era, art often employed symbolism to convey deeper meanings, reflecting the philosophical and scientific explorations of the Enlightenment. Here, a woman draped in classical robes stands, as a ship rests upon her shoulders. Her serene posture contrasts sharply with the stormy scene behind her, where figures on the shore seem caught in a tempest. This contrast evokes the complex relationship between humanity and nature, especially the sea. The ocean can be a source of life and trade but also a source of unpredictable danger. Consider the weight of the ship on her shoulders, a symbol of the burdens and responsibilities associated with maritime power. How might this image speak to the experience of women who are so often tasked with shouldering the weight of their societies? While seemingly traditional in its allegorical form, Wachsmuth’s print invites a deeper consideration of the forces—both natural and societal—that shape our world.