Binnenplein van de Beurs in Antwerpen 1868

Jean Théodore Joseph Linnig created this print of the Antwerp Stock Exchange's inner courtyard, capturing a bustling 19th-century scene. Note the pointed arches that define the structure; they are a cultural motif deeply rooted in Gothic architecture, designed to evoke soaring heights and divine aspiration. The arch, as a symbol, transcends time and reappears across civilizations. Think of the triumphal arches of Rome, symbols of imperial power, or the archways in Renaissance paintings that frame sacred figures, directing our gaze to the divine. The dog, freely roaming this economic temple, reminds us of its evolving symbolic role—from a symbol of fidelity and watchfulness in medieval art to a companion in everyday scenes. Like the arch, the dog serves as a symbol of continuity, reappearing in art through the ages, each time imbued with new cultural significance. Linnig’s courtyard becomes a stage where the past and present converge, engaging us in a timeless dialogue.