View of The Hague 1630 - 1691

Aelbert Cuyp's panoramic 'View of The Hague' presents us with a horizon punctuated by the church tower, a symbol of stability in a shifting world. These towers, reaching towards the heavens, echo the ancient ziggurats and obelisks, attempts to bridge the earthly and divine. From the Tower of Babel to the medieval cathedrals, these structures speak to humanity's perennial yearning for transcendence, a motif that endures across cultures and epochs. Notice how the tower connects us to the 'Towers of Silence,' where Zoroastrians leave their dead; or even to the modern skyscrapers—the tower is always present. This motif is a reminder of our shared human experiences and subconscious desires. These structures tap into a deep, psychological space, connecting us through time.