Gezicht op de Friesepoort te Alkmaar 1736 - 1746

This is Leonard Schenk’s depiction of the Friesepoort in Alkmaar, captured in ink. The gate looms large, its towering structure more than just a portal; it is a statement of power and security. The gate, or portal, is a profound symbol, steeped in layers of meaning that go far beyond its physical function. Since ancient times, gates have marked transitions, passages from one world to another. Think of the gates to the Underworld in classical mythology. We also see fortifications, walls, and towers, elements of architecture and, at the same time, loaded with symbolic weight. These aren't just barriers; they are embodiments of a collective desire for safety, a defense against the unknown, and perhaps, a bulwark against inner anxieties. The Friesepoort reminds us that every border, every threshold, is both a separation and a connection, resonating in our collective memory.