Drie zeilschepen in een storm voor een rotsachtige kust 1689 - 1760

Adam Silo created this etching of three ships in a storm, capturing the tumultuous relationship between humanity and nature. Silo, who lived from the late 17th to mid-18th century, witnessed a period of intense maritime activity and naval conflict. The image places us right into the heart of maritime life. The small figures on deck, dwarfed by the immensity of the storm, remind us of our vulnerability when faced with the forces of nature. The ships are tossed about like toys, their sails straining against the wind. Silo masterfully conveys the emotional weight of the scene. During this era, maritime power was deeply intertwined with colonial ambitions and the exploitation of labor and resources. The drama of the storm could also symbolize the precariousness of these ventures, and the potential for disruption inherent in the pursuit of global power. It invites us to reflect on the human cost of ambition, and the enduring power of the natural world.