Berglandschap met industriële constructie c. 1885

This etching by Karl Meunier presents a stark industrial structure dominating a rugged landscape. Notice how this modern tower pierces the sky, a testament to human ingenuity and a symbol of progress. But let us consider this form more deeply. This motif of imposing structures echoes ancient ziggurats and pyramids, testaments to human ambition stretching towards the heavens. Like those ancient forms, this modern construction carries a psychological weight—a blend of awe and anxiety. The industrial age has brought forward a new, darker expression of the human spirit, which engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Throughout history, the desire to build, to reach beyond our earthly bounds, remains constant, though its manifestations shift. The tower, once a symbol of spiritual aspiration, now embodies industrial might. What was once divine is now steel. But what will it be tomorrow?