Stadsgezicht 1860 - 1900

This photograph by Gel Madelaine captures a cityscape, revealing not just buildings but a web of human activity frozen in a moment. Dominating the scene, we see houses and a church whose steeples reach to the heavens, symbols of communal life and spiritual aspiration. Look at the rooftops; they remind us of ancient protective symbols found in various cultures, from the pitched roofs of Chinese temples to the gabled homes of medieval Europe. These forms, repeated across centuries, aren’t merely functional but also reflect a collective desire for safety and order. Even the distant church steeple resonates with the obelisks of ancient Egypt, a reaching towards the divine. These symbols are not static; they evolve. A steeple may once have guided souls; now, it stands as a historical marker, a testament to the ever-changing nature of belief and community. It is the subconscious recognition of these forms that evokes a sense of belonging and continuity. They trigger within us a resonance with past generations. Ultimately, these forms remind us that our present is inextricably linked to our past.