View of Colombo 1755

Pieter de Bevere created this sketch of Colombo, showcasing the city's facade as seen from the sea. Ships, both large and small, dot the scene, their flags and sails speaking volumes about trade and colonial ambition. The ships in this image evoke earlier symbols, such as Noah's Ark or the Ship of Fools. These vessels, emblems of salvation or folly, remind us of humanity's constant navigation through life's turbulent waters. Similarly, here, the ships symbolize a pivotal moment in history, the surge of European expansion into new territories, carrying both the promise of progress and the seeds of conflict. The psychological weight of these symbols is palpable; they are the carriers of dreams and anxieties, resonating deeply within our collective memory. The fort in the background, a stark representation of colonial power, echoes the forts depicted in Renaissance paintings, symbols of strength. These recurring symbols show us the non-linear progression of history, constantly resurfacing and evolving.