Gezicht op stadspoort 1679 - 1728

This etching is entitled 'View of a City Gate' by Johannes Gronsveld. It captures a seemingly mundane scene of daily life, yet it pulses with echoes of grander, more archaic themes. The archway is the dominant symbol here: a motif that speaks of transitions, passages, and the liminal space between worlds. Think of ancient Roman triumphal arches, gateways to power and glory. Yet here, the arch is crumbling, softened by nature, suggesting a more contemplative, perhaps even melancholic passage. This resembles the portals found in Renaissance paintings, promising enlightenment or revelation beyond mere worldly existence. The arch as a motif has travelled through time, from sacred architecture to modern art. Its endurance lies in its ability to evoke feelings of hope, fear, and anticipation tied to life’s ever-changing journey.