Ein hoher Signalmast halbrechts auf einer Landungsstelle, an der Ruderboote liegen 1653

This evocative drawing was made by Jan van Goyen and now resides in the Städel Museum. The signal mast, standing tall amidst the bustling landing site, immediately captures our attention. In the 17th century, masts like this were vital communication tools, connecting land and sea, and facilitating trade and the exchange of ideas. Notice how van Goyen has placed this mast. This visual motif—a vertical object standing in the middle of a horizontal plane—reverberates through art history. From ancient Egyptian obelisks symbolizing power to the Christian cross representing salvation, the vertical axis holds deep psychological weight. It's as if the collective subconscious recognizes this form as a link between the earthly and the divine. Even today, the sight of a tall structure against the horizon evokes a sense of aspiration and connection. In van Goyen's rendering, the mast's height and its positioning suggests a culture that is reaching far beyond its own shores. As we contemplate this drawing, we're invited to consider how symbols persist. They evolve over time, but continue engaging us on a profound, often unconscious level.