Theseus and Ariadne

The Greek hero Theseus is returning the ball of thread that Ariadne has lent him. By following the thread, Theseus has been able to find his way safely back out of King Minos’s labyrinth, which he had entered in order to slay the Minotaur (the bull-headed monster that lies defeated in the background). Ariadne is attended by four maidservants, a sign of her aristocratic status. Theseus will flee with Ariadne to the island of Naxos.

Additional information:
This work alludes to the function of the Insurance Chamber (Assurantiekantoor). The thread represents insurance, ensuring that seafarers and their valuable cargoes find their way safely home again.