Stadsgracht 1876 - 1918

This is ‘Stadsgracht,’ an etching by Henri Wouters. Here, the masts and hulls of ships crowd together, reflecting in the still waters of the canal. Consider the mast: an ancient symbol of connection between the earthly and the divine. In antiquity, the mast appeared in pagan rituals as the axis mundi, a cosmic pillar linking the human world to the heavens. We see echoes of this in Egyptian obelisks and the Maypole traditions of Northern Europe, where celebrants dance around a central pole, reenacting this link. Over time, the mast has been adapted for practical uses and spiritual symbolism. From the humble fishing boats in this scene to the grand ships of exploration, it represents not only trade and expansion but also our enduring connection to the elemental forces of nature. This symbol transcends mere utility, engaging with our collective memory and subconscious desires for exploration.