Gezicht op Kolderveen Possibly 1732 - 1737

Here we see a drawing of Kolderveen by Abraham de Haen the Younger, rendered with ink. The church and its tower are the most prominent symbols in the drawing. The tower is not just a functional structure; it is a marker of sacred space, a watchtower over the community. This architectural form has deep roots, echoing the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia, which similarly served as links between the earthly and divine realms. The tower's verticality represents an aspiration toward the heavens, a reaching for transcendence. The church, surrounded by trees, is framed as a refuge, a stable point in the landscape of human existence. Through time, these symbols of faith have been reimagined. They’re not static; they evolve, accumulate layers of meaning, and resurface in unpredictable ways. The image engages us emotionally, stirring a sense of continuity and cultural memory, reminding us of the enduring power of symbols to connect us to the past.