Het Amsterdamse schip Fortuna, 1594

This is an engraving of the Amsterdam ship Fortuna made in 1594 by an anonymous artist. The ship sails under the watchful eyes of deities, each figure a symbol of protection. Look at the sails; Neptune, god of the sea, rides a hippocamp, a creature part horse and part fish. Nearby, we see Diana the huntress, bow in hand. This pairing is fascinating. Neptune, with his command over the seas, ensures safe passage, while Diana, a symbol of independence and skill, perhaps embodies the ship's readiness for whatever lies ahead. We recall similar pairings in antiquity, gods and goddesses invoked for fortune and safety, their stories retold in countless Renaissance paintings. Consider how these classical figures, once worshipped in grand temples, now sail the seas on a Dutch ship. These symbols live and transform, reflecting a culture's hopes and dreams. It is a potent image, engaging our deepest desires for safety and success on life’s voyage.