Kleine Looiersstraat te Maastricht 1830 - 1899

Alexander Schaepkens’ etching shows us the Kleine Looiersstraat in Maastricht, with a bridge prominently arching over the water. Bridges are potent symbols, not just for connecting physical spaces, but also for linking different states of being, cultures, or even the conscious and unconscious realms. Bridges appear as a metaphor throughout history, from ancient Roman aqueducts to the covered bridges of American folklore, embodying aspirations for connection and passage. In some myths, bridges are guarded by gatekeepers or trolls, representing the obstacles one must overcome in the journey of transformation. Consider, too, the waters beneath the bridge, often symbolizing the ceaseless flow of time and the unconscious. The figure standing by the water's edge evokes a sense of introspection, perhaps contemplating the currents of life. As we gaze upon this scene, let us reflect on the bridges we cross, both literal and metaphorical, in our own lives.