Besneeuwde straat in Rijswijk 1863

Here is a street in Rijswijk covered in snow. The spire of the church rises prominently, a visual echo of mankind's reaching towards the divine. This form, so often seen piercing the sky across Christendom, is a potent symbol of aspiration and faith. Consider how the spire's form transcends mere architecture. In ancient Egypt, obelisks served a similar function, connecting the earthly and celestial realms. Even earlier, the axis mundi, represented by sacred trees or mountains, served as the symbolic center of the world. The starkness of winter here strips away artifice, leaving us with the bare essence of form. The collective memory of winter's harshness touches us deeply. A subconscious understanding that resonates beyond the bounds of time. We see how symbols, like the spire, are not static but cyclical. Constantly resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different contexts. They invite us to contemplate the enduring power of symbols, and the intricate ways in which they shape our understanding of the world.