Gezicht op baai Ras il cala op eiland Gozo 1778

Louis Ducros rendered this view of Ras il-Cala bay on the island of Gozo using watercolor. The composition is anchored by a prominent tower atop a hill, a symbol of vigilance and defense. This motif of the tower, perched high and overlooking the sea, finds echoes across time—from ancient watchtowers guarding coastlines to medieval keeps dominating landscapes. The tower transcends its functional role, resonating with a primal, psychological need for security and control over one's domain. Its presence evokes a sense of historical continuity. This idea of a fortified structure standing guard taps into our collective memory, stirring subconscious feelings of both safety and isolation. Over centuries, we see its transformation. It persists as a signifier of power and protection. The tower, in Ducros's rendering, embodies a cyclical pattern of human aspiration. It's a testament to our enduring quest for security, even as the threats and the meanings evolve.