Bomschuiten op het strand c. 1875 - 1900

This monochrome photograph, titled "Bomschuiten op het strand," captures fishing boats on a beach, a scene masterfully lensed by Henri de Louw. Dominating the scene, the boats rest with their masts piercing the sky. The mast is a potent symbol, isn’t it? Think of its echoes throughout history – from the ancient obelisks of Egypt reaching towards the heavens, symbolizing power and divine connection, to the maypoles of European spring festivals, emblems of fertility and community. Here, the masts form a silent, yet powerful statement. They create a forest of vertical lines that guide the viewer's eye, evoking a sense of longing and the human desire to reach beyond our earthly bounds. This symbolic language transcends time. Like the caduceus, the staff carried by Hermes, associated with medicine and commerce, the mast carries a complex web of associations. The masts stand as silent witnesses, bearing the weight of human endeavor and our eternal dance with the unknown.