The Florida Five Goldback features the virtue “Audax” (Daring), depicted as a privateer, honoring Florida’s rich history of piracy and adventure during the Age of Sail. This portrayal takes inspiration from the legendary tales of Anne Bonny and Charlotte de Berry. Anne Bonny, an Irish-born pirate of the early 18th century, was renowned for defying gender norms with her fierce spirit. Charlotte de Berry, often associated with Florida, was an adventurer known for tales of sailing as a pirate. Both women symbolize courage and the determination to break societal expectations of their time.
Florida’s coastline, with its hidden coves and treacherous waters, was a haven for pirates and privateers in the 17th and 18th centuries. They seized treasure-laden ships bound for European ports, and legendary pirates like Blackbeard and José Gaspar are rumored to have sailed these waters. Tales of lost treasure still linger along the Florida Keys and Gulf Coast. During this turbulent era, privateers, operating with government approval, played pivotal roles in shaping Florida’s maritime history. Their boldness and cunning strategy fueled their pursuit of fortune and glory on the high seas.
The choppy water and wind in the composition symbolize the hurricanes and inclement weather that Florida is famously known for. With its long coastline, Florida is one of the most hurricane-prone states in the U.S., enduring around 125 direct hits since records began in the mid-1800s. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida has faced powerful storms like Andrew (1992), Michael (2018), and Irma (2017), all of which have left lasting marks on its history. The fierce winds and towering waves in the artwork reflect the resilience needed to weather these unpredictable forces of nature.
On the table before the privateer are tools symbolizing guidance and strategy. A compass rose directs her through uncertain seas, while a navigational divider represents precision, balancing boldness with careful planning. A lantern, symbolizing divine guidance, casts light on her path, embodying the hope and faith needed in times of peril. Together, these elements highlight the courage, strategy, and spiritual strength essential for navigating Florida’s storied maritime past.
Around her neck hangs a piece of eight, a symbol of the legendary treasures sought by pirates and privateers alike, specifically recalling the famous 1715 Spanish Treasure Fleet, lost off Florida’s coast in a hurricane. The pirate flag flying behind her, believed to be one of the first ever made, represents the dangers of the seas during the Golden Age of Sail and the rebellious spirit of those daring enough to seek their fortunes in treacherous waters. With each of these elements, the artwork embodies the enduring principle “bravery conquers the unknown.”
