River Scene 1600 - 1700

This river scene, rendered in ink, offers a glimpse into the symbolic language of its time. The church steeple, a dominant vertical, pierces the sky, a symbol deeply rooted in the community's spiritual life, acting as a point of convergence between the earthly and the divine. Consider the steeple’s echo in earlier obelisks, Egyptian in origin, similarly reaching for the heavens. This upward thrust is not merely architectural; it is an expression of humanity’s yearning for transcendence. The boats sailing upon the water carry not only people but also the hopes and fears associated with journeys and the unknown. The river itself, reflecting both sky and land, symbolizes the passage of time, and the cyclical nature of life. Notice how the serene surface belies the depths beneath, mirroring the subconscious forces at play within us all. Just as the river flows and changes, so too do symbols evolve, adapting to new contexts while retaining echoes of their original power. The water has a psychological dimension; its reflective surface can be interpreted as an invitation to introspection and self-discovery, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. This interplay of symbols—the church, the boats, the river—reveals a continuous cycle, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.