Gezicht op de Maas nabij Waulsort before 1901

This print by A. Boogaerts captures a view on the river Maas near Waulsort. The river, reflecting the sky, flows between steep banks, a boat gently navigating the calm waters. Water has long symbolized the passage of time and transformation, reflecting the fluidity of life itself. Think of the ancient Greeks and their reverence for rivers as divine entities, or the Christian symbolism of baptism, signifying spiritual cleansing and rebirth. Across cultures, water is seen as both a source of life and a pathway to the unknown. Here, the river’s surface mirrors the world above, suggesting a deeper connection between the visible and the unseen. The boat quietly moving through the river may invite us to reflect on our own journey through life. We navigate through time. The enduring power of this simple image lies in its ability to evoke universal emotions, reminding us of the constant flow of existence and the timeless quest for meaning.