Eénschijfsblok c. 1590 - 1596

This single-sheave block resides in the Rijksmuseum, crafted by an anonymous hand. At its heart, the circular form with its central void speaks of cosmic cycles and the eternal return. Throughout history, the circle has been used to represent wholeness and continuity. Think of the Ouroboros, the serpent eating its own tail, an ancient symbol found in Egyptian and Greek iconography representing cyclical renewal. The void at the center of the sheave block acts as a nodal point. The image of the wheel, appearing in various contexts, serves as an anchor, linking different eras and cultures, resonating with a deep-seated human yearning for order and predictability. As we delve deeper, we find that these symbols have traversed epochs, morphing and adapting, yet always retaining an echo of their initial emotive power. The wheel's enduring presence is a testament to the past that persists, subconsciously shaping our present.