Vijver op landgoed Clingendael 1828 - 1830

Jean Augustin Daiwaille's "Pond on the Clingendael Estate," captures an idealized view of nature, yet the water motif, so central here, speaks volumes. Water, universally a symbol of life, purification, and the subconscious, appears serene on the surface, reflecting the calmness of the sky. However, water's depths hint at hidden currents, mirroring the complex, often turbulent, layers of the human psyche. The image of figures in boats and by the pond brings to mind Charon, ferrying souls across the river Styx, and a longing for tranquility that also acknowledges the inevitability of change. Consider its appearance in countless myths and religious tales – from baptismal rites to the flood narratives. This element echoes, reappearing as a potent symbol of both destruction and rebirth, reminding us of our deep-seated connection to the cyclical nature of existence. It engages our collective memory, stirring emotions tied to life's fundamental rhythms.