Gezicht op verschillende daken 1877

Piet Verhaert's "View of Various Roofs," captures a skyline punctuated by towers, chimneys, and rooftops. These are not mere architectural details; they are symbols of civic identity and aspiration. The tower, in particular, carries a powerful cultural resonance, its spire reaching towards the heavens, a symbol of human ambition and spiritual yearning. We can trace this motif back to the Tower of Babel, a testament to humanity's desire to reach the divine. This symbol reappears throughout history, from the minarets of Islamic architecture to the soaring cathedrals of the Gothic period, and even in the modern skyscraper. The image of the tower engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of awe and inspiration, but also, perhaps, a sense of human hubris. It is this cyclical progression of symbols that interests me, their resurfacing and evolution across different historical contexts.