Stadsgezicht met brug 1620 - 1695

Nicolas Perelle etched this city view with a bridge sometime in the 17th century. Notice how the bridge emerges as a dominant visual symbol, not merely a structure but a profound motif. The bridge has roots stretching back to ancient Rome, where bridges were not only functional but also symbols of imperial power and divine connection, often associated with the Pontifex Maximus, the chief priest who literally was the "bridge-maker." Over time, this symbol has appeared in countless forms. In some contexts, it represents a transition; in others, a connection between worlds. Consider the bridge as a manifestation of collective memory, a subconscious desire to connect, to overcome divides, and to explore the unknown. Like a dream, this image speaks to our deepest longings and fears, echoing in the chambers of our minds long after we have left it behind. Its cyclical progression continues, evolving and resurfacing with new meanings across time.