Zeeslag voor Gibraltar, 1607 1607 - 1610

Bartholomeus Dolendo etched this print depicting the Battle of Gibraltar in 1607. Observe the ships clashing in the bay. These are not merely vessels of war; they are potent symbols laden with historical and cultural weight. Consider the flags, emblems of national identity and ambition. Flags have ancient roots, evolving from simple military standards to complex symbols of power and allegiance. Think back to Roman legions carrying their eagles. The flags of Dolendo's ships signal a similar assertion of dominance, yet their meanings have shifted, now representing burgeoning nation-states rather than ancient empires. Also note the puffs of smoke from the cannons. They speak of conflict, but the smoke itself has a deeper resonance. From ancient rituals to modern signaling, smoke has been used across cultures as a means of communication, conjuring a sense of mystery and the unseen. Here, it becomes a visceral manifestation of war’s chaotic and destructive energy, tapping into our collective memory of conflict and its emotional toll. The motifs of flags and cannon smoke reflect a cyclical pattern. They resurface and evolve, carrying with them echoes of the past while adapting to the present.