Willem V toegesproken in de vergadering van de Staten van Zeeland, 1786 1786

This engraving by Mathias de Sallieth depicts Willem V addressing the States of Zeeland in 1786. Behind the assembly, ship motifs adorn the walls, symbolizing maritime power and the Netherlands' global trade. These ships are more than mere decoration; they echo ancient symbols of navigation, transformation, and the soul's journey, such as the ship of Isis or the Ship of Fools. Over time, the ship motif has evolved. Once a symbol of adventure and discovery, it can also become a reminder of mortality, a vessel sailing towards the unknown shores of death. Consider how such symbols engage us on a subconscious level, evoking deep-seated fears, longings, and the collective memory of humankind. The image acts as a powerful link between the viewer, the past, and the emotional currents that run through history.