Doopvont van de Oude Kerk in Ermelo Possibly 1863 - 1867

This delicate pencil drawing of the baptismal font in the Old Church of Ermelo was created by Cornelis Springer. Notice the arches repeated around the middle. The arch is one of the oldest architectural motifs, employed since the 2nd millennium BC in ancient Mesopotamia. The motif was adopted by the ancient Romans and passed down through generations, appearing in Christian churches in the West and mosques in the East. It can be seen as a symbol of transition and passage, an invitation into a sacred space. In this image, the arches suggest an open invitation to purification, welcoming a believer into a closer relationship with God. It is not merely a structural element but a profound expression of the human desire to connect with the divine. This symbol reflects our collective memory and continues to resonate emotionally and spiritually.