Burning ships from the past | A Visual Metaphor by Angelo van der Klift

The burning ship, far off on the horizon, is the key element of the image. It’s a direct visual reference to the phrase “burning your ships,” a decisive action often associated with cutting ties to the past in order to move forward with no option of retreat. In this context, the man’s calm posture contrasts sharply with the dramatic scene unfolding beyond him. Perhaps he was once a sailor, navigating the unpredictable tides of life at sea, but now he’s left that world behind. Or, it could be something deeper—more symbolic. The burning ship may represent past regrets, missed opportunities, or a life he no longer wants to live.

The fire itself isn’t chaotic, though. Instead, it appears controlled, purposeful. The flames are not a result of recklessness, but of a deliberate decision. The smoke from his pipe connects him directly to the destruction, implying that the burning of this ship is something he initiated and owns entirely. He’s choosing to sever that part of his life, clearing the way for something new.

What makes this image so intriguing is the ambiguity. The man’s face reveals little about his emotions, leaving room for viewers to project their own interpretations onto his decision. Is he at peace with the choice? Is there relief in watching the ship go up in flames, or is there a hint of sadness for what once was? Van der Klift leaves it open, allowing the story to evolve in the viewer's mind.

In Burning ships from the past, the act of letting go is both a personal and universal theme. It speaks to anyone who has faced a crossroads in life, where the only way forward is to close the door on the past, even if it means burning the ships that once carried you.