Departure of immigrants, tapestry 

José de Almada Negreiros created this tapestry, "Departure of Immigrants," presenting a vivid scene of movement and transition. The imagery of the ship, the stairs, and the rising scaffolding evokes a sense of ascension. The ship, a vessel of hope and escape, is a recurring motif in human history, from the biblical Ark to modern-day vessels carrying refugees. Similarly, the steps leading upwards reflect an ancient symbol of progress, a stairway to heaven. The scaffolding, a framework for construction, is an especially powerful symbol. Compare it to Jacob's Ladder, where angels ascend and descend. Here, it represents aspiration, the dream of building a new life. Yet there is a tension in the geometry and the rigid lines which might also reflect the anxieties of displacement. The recurring motifs in this tapestry, imbued with the collective memory of generations, tap into a powerful emotional connection to the hope of what lies beyond.