Gezicht op de Eiffeltoren 1889 - 1929

This anonymous print presents the Eiffel Tower, a monument constructed of iron. The tower, inaugurated during the Exposition Universelle of 1889, looms like a modern-day obelisk, a symbol that recalls the ancient Egyptians’ reaching for the heavens. We can’t help but consider the Tower of Babel, a potent image that, for many centuries, represented humanity’s ambition and ultimate fall. This symbol of modernity, with its metallic latticework, echoes motifs from Gothic cathedrals, where spires direct the gaze upward. It is a manifestation of human ingenuity. The Eiffel Tower encapsulates the collective desire to transcend earthly bounds, mirroring our psychological yearning to connect the earthly with the celestial. This cultural aspiration is not merely about physical height but about fulfilling a deeper, shared subconscious need to overcome limitations. As you reflect on this image, consider how symbols transform, adapting to new eras while carrying echoes of the past.