Gezicht op de Warmoesstraat te Amsterdam 1888

George Hendrik Breitner captured this view of the Warmoesstraat in Amsterdam with a pencil on paper. Look at the vertical lines. They delineate buildings, and perhaps trees. These shapes bear a resemblance to the ancient obelisks of Egypt, which were erected as rays of sunlight, petrified. The obelisk’s form evolved into various vertical structures throughout history, such as the Romanesque bell towers, and the Gothic spires. It has also appeared in secular contexts, such as triumphal columns. One finds these forms even today in our modern skyscrapers. What is it about the vertical line that captivates us? It’s a visual metaphor for aspiration, for reaching beyond earthly limitations. Breitner, through his quick sketch, taps into this deep-seated human desire for transcendence. His choice of lines, seemingly simple, resonates with a collective memory embedded in our subconscious. It reflects our continuous striving toward the heavens.