Zeeslag bij Doggersbank, 1781 1781 - 1783

Mathias de Sallieth’s etching captures the naval battle at Dogger Bank in 1781, filled with symbols of conflict and national identity. The ships locked in combat are more than mere vessels; they are floating emblems of power, their flags, though small, speak volumes about allegiance and rivalry. Consider the recurring image of the naval vessel throughout history. From ancient triremes to these 18th-century warships, ships embody human ambition and technological prowess. The smoke and chaos of battle trigger a deep-seated primal fear, echoing ancient struggles for survival and dominance. The dynamic composition, filled with swirling smoke and turbulent waves, conveys a sense of disorder and instability. Such depictions have been used across eras, and constantly draw us back to a shared human experience of turmoil, triumph, and tragedy. These aren't just battles; they're part of an ever-repeating story.