Abklatsch van de krijttekening op pagina 24 1870 - 1923

Willem Witsen created this chalk drawing, now held at the Rijksmuseum, capturing something beyond the mere visible. The stark fissure on the left side of the drawing serves as a powerful symbolic motif. This visual rupture, reminiscent of a geological fault line, resonates deeply within the psyche. Consider how similar motifs appear in much earlier works: the cracks in the cosmos depicted in ancient creation myths, for example. These have always symbolized not just destruction, but also potential - the opening for something new to emerge. Over time, this symbol shifts, appearing in religious contexts as the rending of the temple veil at Christ's death, marking a profound spiritual transformation. Subconsciously, such images tap into our primal fears and hopes—the dread of collapse but also the longing for rebirth. Witsen’s simple chalk lines, therefore, resonate with a potent, cyclical rhythm, echoing through history to engage us on a deeply subconscious level.