Het schip van Maurits 1876 - 1895

Made by Jules Hénault, this print portrays a series of scenes around a boy and his toy ship. The vessel, a symbol of adventure and aspiration, becomes the central motif, recurring throughout the narrative. The boy’s sailor suit, echoing the naval theme, is a motif which appears across Europe during this period, symbolizing discipline and a connection to maritime power. Think of the many portraits of young princes in sailor suits, embodying a nation's imperial ambitions. Consider how the ship transforms from a mere toy into a vessel of social exchange and conflict. The boy's interactions—sharing, competing, even facing the potential loss of his ship—reflect the psychological currents beneath childhood play. The motif of the ship, therefore, is not merely decorative; it is a deeply felt emblem of the boy's world, fraught with the tensions and joys of human interaction. It shows how symbols resurface, evolving, and taking on new meanings.