Veere, schutsluis in aanbouw, op de achtergrond de kerktoren 1871 - 1878

This albumen silver print by Pieter Oosterhuis captures the construction of the lock in Veere, with the church tower looming in the background. The scaffolding here speaks to a society in transition, mirroring the Tower of Babel, a symbol of human ambition and the desire to reach the heavens. This motif echoes through art history, appearing in Pieter Bruegel the Elder's painting of the same name, where the tower represents human hubris and the inevitability of divine intervention. In Veere, this image is transposed, as it symbolizes the shift from religious to technological supremacy. Notice how the church tower, a symbol of the old order, stands in contrast to the rising lock, signifying the dawn of the industrial age. The collective effort of the workers carries an emotional charge, hinting at a shared vision of progress. The image is a poignant reminder that the dreams and ambitions of one era often lay the foundation for the next. The cultural memory embedded in these visual symbols serves as a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.