Stille vejr på havet 1849

Vilhelm Kyhn made this etching, "Still Weather at Sea," capturing a serene marine scene. The boats, symbols of journeys and passages, stand out. The image of a vessel cutting through water is as old as civilization itself, evoking the myth of the Ship of the Dead, carrying souls to the afterlife across the dark sea. Here, however, Kyhn offers a tranquil vision. Note how the stillness of the water mirrors the quiet sky, creating a sense of calm. This stillness can also be found in Dutch Golden Age seascapes, where the sea’s placidity reflects a spiritual equilibrium. This iconography emphasizes the sea's dual nature: a source of anxiety and a promise of peace. Through the ages, the sea has signified both the subconscious and the eternal, a testament to its enduring psychological and cultural resonance.