PIECES OF EIGHT
Pieces of Eight , acrylic on canvas, 2025. 16" X 24" Three sea monsters, a giant octopus, a sea serpent and a giant crab, fight for a share of eight unique treasures from a treasure-filled shipwreck. Mermaid's tear stone Golden flower Ancient Greek vase Golden oil lamp Ceremonial dagger Crown jewels Antique compass Dragon-shaped staff Although there is a lot of gold coins and jewels also seen on the ship, the trio are mainly after the eight treasures. "Pieces of eight" is the nickname for Spanish dollar coins during the Age of Discovery. This "feud" reflects the competition between European colonial powers during the Age of Discovery in the pursuit of "gold and glory", which are some of the major driving forces for exploration and colonisation (imperialism): to gain material wealth and increase their power and reputation. Creatures such as octopuses have been used by political cartoons as a symbol of imperialism that extends its grip over ot...