Tekstblad bij boekillustratie 1723

This page of book illustrations was etched by Roeland van Leuve. We see depictions of buildings and town squares, each with a number as if part of a series. Notice the recurrence of the arch, not merely as a structural element but as a motif that frames and defines space. In the illustrations, the arch appears in different forms—as arched bridges and windows. Consider the arch's appearance in ancient Roman architecture, or as an element of triumphal arches. It recurs in Renaissance painting as a signifier of a gateway or a portal into another dimension. The psychological resonance of the arch is profound. It frames and shapes the human experience. It is more than just a design element; it evokes the potential for transition and passage. Consider how these architectural forms might unconsciously evoke sensations of transition, linking the viewer to broader cultural narratives and emotional states tied to the past. This is the enduring power of symbols.