Scene at Delft c. 1868

Johan Barthold Jongkind captured this oil painting in 1868, presenting a ‘Scene at Delft’ where the city gate looms large. Arched gateways like this were once emblems of power, control, and transition. The towering spires, like outstretched fingers, echo similar forms found in Gothic cathedrals. These forms speak to our collective aspiration to reach beyond the earthly realm. This aspiration transcends mere religious context, tapping into our innate desire to bridge the gap between the known and the unknown. You can see the longing for ascension repeated in the Egyptian obelisks, reaching for the sun god Ra. These pointed shapes stir deep within our subconscious. They serve not just as markers of physical space but as potent symbols of humanity’s enduring quest for understanding and connection. It’s a cultural memory that bridges centuries.