Amerikaanse schepen 1719

This engraving by Johann Jakob Vogel depicts American ships navigating coastal waters. The composition is dominated by vessels with large, triangular sails, symbols of exploration and trade. These sails, full with wind, recall not only maritime adventures but also the 'Fortuna'—the Roman goddess of fortune—often symbolized by a sail. The image is not just about sailing; it's about the human endeavor, a constant quest for new worlds and opportunities, driven by both knowledge and hope. Notice how the depiction of these ships, which are similar to those found in ancient maps, highlights a psycho-historical element, a persistent human desire to chart the unknown. The sails connect distant lands, mirroring our own desire for expansion and transformation. The ocean, then and now, carries an emotional charge, stirring deep-seated feelings of longing and excitement.