Mannen op de spoorwegbrug bij Culemborg 1868

This photograph of men on the railway bridge at Culemborg was taken by Pieter Oosterhuis in the 19th century. The bridge, with its long lines and repetitive metal beams, is a potent symbol of modernity, echoing ancient Roman aqueducts. Look at how the lines converge, drawing the eye towards a distant vanishing point. This creates a sense of infinity, similar to the effect in Renaissance paintings of vast landscapes, symbolizing both exploration and the unknown. The bridge, a connection between two points, mirrors the ancient concept of the "axis mundi," a world center that connects the heavens and the earth. Its presence evokes a subconscious desire to traverse boundaries, both physical and metaphysical. Just as ancient monuments were imbued with symbolic power, this bridge represents a new form of monumental achievement, rooted in engineering and progress, yet still resonating with our deepest desires for connection.