Iron Railing 1935 - 1942

Lucien Verbeke rendered this iron railing in watercolor, capturing not just its form, but the enduring symbols it embodies. The cross, prominently displayed, speaks of sacrifice, hope, and a spiritual bridge between the earthly and divine realms. But consider how the cross, a symbol of profound suffering and redemption, is not confined to Christian iconography. It appears in ancient Egyptian art as the ankh, symbolizing life, and recurs in various forms across different cultures, each time imbued with local meanings, yet retaining a core essence of duality and balance. The floral motifs intertwined within the railing further complicate this image. They remind us of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. Such symbols are more than mere decoration; they are carriers of cultural memory. They evoke subconscious emotions, and remind us of humanity's collective experiences. This railing, therefore, stands not just as a barrier but as a testament to our continuous dialogue with the past. These symbols evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts, reminding us that culture is always in motion.