Gezicht op het Steiger in Rotterdam c. 1860 - 1900

This photograph, "Gezicht op het Steiger in Rotterdam," was captured by Andries Jager. It offers a serene view of Rotterdam's waterways. The verticality of the buildings here creates a strong sense of enclosure, almost like the walls of a canyon. Windows, like eyes, line the facades. Light, that ancient symbol of consciousness, filters through them, suggesting an inner life within these structures. This arrangement is echoed in the urban landscapes of Piranesi. However, Jager's photograph lacks the Italian artist's dramatic exaggeration, opting instead for a quiet observation of daily life. The canal, functioning as a mirror, doubles the architectural presence, hinting at the subconscious depths that lie beneath the surface of the city. The reflection creates a dream-like state, inviting the viewer to look inward. The photograph captures a psychological resonance, a sense of timelessness where the past and present merge.