Huizen aan een brug over de Jeker, Maastricht 1830 - 1899

Alexander Schaepkens' etching presents us with a humble yet evocative scene of "Huizen aan een brug over de Jeker, Maastricht." The bridge, an archway quite reminiscent of ancient Roman structures, immediately catches the eye. This arch, a symbol of connection and passage, harkens back to the grand arches of triumph and aqueducts of the Roman Empire, structures that were not merely functional but also imbued with a sense of power, permanence, and civilization. The archway, a motif that has spanned across epochs, reappears in various forms, from triumphal arches celebrating military victories to sacred arches framing religious icons. Its cyclical progression, from a symbol of imperial power to a component of civic architecture, reveals its enduring appeal. The recurrence of the arch form underscores our collective memory and our subconscious yearning for stability and continuity. It’s a powerful visual language that engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level.