Gezicht op Pisa in vogelvluchtperspectief Possibly 1617 - 1717

Wenceslaus Hollar etched this bird’s-eye view of Pisa in the 17th century, capturing the city's layout with striking detail. Dominating the view is the Leaning Tower, a symbol of human ambition and architectural folly, forever caught in a delicate balance. Consider the concentric circles at the tower's base, mirroring ancient labyrinths—symbols of journeys and the human quest for understanding. The tower itself, with its precarious tilt, speaks to the tension between aspiration and instability, a theme echoed in the myths of Icarus. This emblem of ambition and inevitable failure transcends time, appearing in various guises throughout history. Think of the Tower of Babel, a testament to humanity's hubris, or even the precarious structures of modern finance. The image resonates deeply because it taps into our subconscious anxieties about control, stability, and the ever-present threat of collapse. It's a potent reminder of our collective fears, perpetually resurfacing in different forms.