Gezicht op de Eerste Muiderpoort te Amsterdam 1664

Jan Veenhuysen etched this view of the Eerste Muiderpoort in Amsterdam in the 17th century. Here, the gate isn't just a structure; it's a symbol, standing as a barrier and a passage. The cross atop the gate, a Christian symbol of salvation, juxtaposes the gate's protective function, evoking layers of meaning. The gate, or 'porta,' echoes ancient Roman city entrances, which were not only physical barriers, but also symbolic thresholds. These gates appear in medieval paintings, often depicted as the entrance to the 'Celestial City' in religious allegories. Over time, the ‘porta’ has transformed from a sacred symbol to a symbol of civic identity and protection. Consider how the gate evokes a sense of security, yet also exclusion, tapping into our primal instincts of fear and safety, deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. This image is more than a depiction; it’s a visual echo of human experiences across time.