IV Section  – The power of symbols


The sea has always carried a strongly symbolic connotation being at the same time source of life and cause of death by its fickle nature, extending beyond visible borders, housing plenty of living organisms, separating people and countries and becoming their means of communication nonetheless.

Many sea creatures (such as fish, coral and shells) have become holy or magic symbols too, bringing about a specialised craftsmanship whose artistic masterpieces must be shown within the exhibition. Likewise, fishing vessels have been assigned a symbolic value through carved figureheads placed on ships’ bows and holy or magic images painted on the ships’ sides. It is also very significant that many religious festivals are dedicated to the worship of a “marine” Madonna, whose depictions (as painting or statue) arrived by sea in mysterious circumstances.

Of course, the miracles performed by these “marine” Madonnas against sea storms and pirates raids are extensively documented by many ex-votos. Besides, sea storms and marine landscapes represent one of the most popular subject chosen by writers and painters. The section should illustrate such a rich tradition, by displaying for instance examples of craftsmanship in coral or mother-of-pearl work as well as figureheads, ship sides, depictions of “marine” Madonnas along with the related religious festivals, such as holy regattas and races. Given that the hosting museum is provided with enough space, other forms of festivals could be also presented such as gondola regattas or other historical sea races.