Kapitein van de S.S. Rotterdam van de Holland-America Line begroet gasten c. 1959 - 1980

This photograph captures a moment aboard the S.S. Rotterdam, showcasing the captain greeting passengers. The motifs here speak of passage and welcome, echoing ancient rituals of hospitality, and the taming of the seas for trade and exploration. Consider the handshake, a gesture laden with historical weight. From ancient Roman agreements to medieval oaths, the clasping of hands signifies trust and mutual respect. Here, it represents the captain's pledge of safe passage, mirroring the mythological pacts with sea deities for secure voyages. The image of a ship itself is a potent symbol. Like the Ark or the Ship of Fools, it embodies humanity's journey through life's uncertain waters, a vessel carrying hopes, dreams, and anxieties. This photograph, with its blend of formality and festivity, evokes a sense of adventure, connecting us to the collective human drive to explore and conquer the unknown.