Schip met Jason, Argonauten, Minerva en sfinx op voorsteven c. 1635

This is an engraving, by an anonymous artist, representing Jason’s ship with the Argonauts, Minerva, and a sphinx on the prow. It’s a fascinating image that allows us to consider the enduring power of classical mythology to shape cultural identity. Made in the Netherlands, it represents the Armada, a symbol of maritime power and trade, not only for the Dutch Republic but also for the broader European context of exploration and colonization. We see this historical moment through the visual language of the classics. The ship itself, adorned with figures from Greek mythology like Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, and Jason, reflects a conscious effort to connect the present with the perceived glories of the past. To fully understand this image, historians delve into archival materials such as emblem books and festival books that document these ships. It is through this work that we can begin to understand the complex interplay between classical ideals, mercantile ambition, and national identity that this ship represents.