Model of a Water Tank 1839

This is a model of a water tank, crafted from iron, by Rijkswerf Hellevoetsluis. Water, a primal source of life, has always held a potent symbolic weight across cultures. Enclosed within a rigid, cubic form, the water takes on a new symbolic dimension. Think of Pandora's box. Just as this mythical container held the source of endless suffering, this tank holds water, a substance essential to sustaining life. The cube is a recurring motif found throughout history, from ancient architecture to modern art. It appears in different contexts and conveys stability, order, and containment. Yet, it can also represent restriction, like a prison, or the unknown depths of the subconscious. The cube has resurfaced time and again, adapting to each era, retaining its power to evoke a sense of control. It is a recurring symbol that reflects the cyclical nature of human experience.