Maasbrug te Maastricht 1830 - 1899

Here we have an etching of the Maas Bridge in Maastricht by Alexander Schaepkens. The bridge itself, a structure of arches, has long served as a powerful symbol of connection, transition, and passage. Consider the Roman bridges, emblems of imperial power and infrastructure, or the medieval bridges adorned with chapels and relics, serving as both physical and spiritual links. This image of the Maas Bridge, with its sturdy arches reflected in the water, evokes the same sense of continuity and endurance. It is a testament to human ingenuity and our enduring need to overcome obstacles and connect with one another. The bridge speaks to our collective memory of journeys, trade, and cultural exchange. It reminds us that, like the ceaseless flow of the river beneath it, history is a dynamic and ever-changing current, with symbols that resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts.