Gezicht op de Grote of Johannes de Doperkerk te Wijk bij Duurstede c. 1906

Here we see a graphite drawing of the Grote of Johannes de Doperkerk in Wijk bij Duurstede, created by Willem Witsen. The church, with its imposing tower, dominates the horizon, acting as a steadfast symbol amidst the shifting currents of time. Notice how the church’s tower echoes the Tower of Babel. Throughout history, towers symbolize a connection between heaven and earth, yet they also represent human ambition and the potential for hubris. This duality has reappeared across centuries, from medieval cathedrals reaching for divine favor to modern skyscrapers asserting human dominance. The emotional weight of such symbols is not merely intellectual; it engages our collective memory, resonating with deep-seated fears and aspirations. The image thus acts as a powerful, subconscious reminder of our perennial quest for meaning, and our constant negotiation between the sacred and the profane. Its symbolic presence continues to echo through the ages, transformed and renewed.