Draaibas n° 141 1812

This is Draaibas number 141, crafted by Brézin. It resides in the Rijksmuseum and is a cannon. Observe the cannon's form: its phallic shape, a symbol of power and virility. The cannon, historically, is more than a tool of destruction; it embodies mankind's primal urge for dominance. Consider the Cyclops from ancient Greek myths, whose single eye mirrors the cannon's singular purpose. In a similar vein, weaponry's symbolism transcends time. Think of the medieval knight's lance, also representing potency and control. The cannon’s presence provokes a subconscious reaction, tapping into our collective memory of conflict and survival. It's a stark reminder of our history, a relentless cycle of creation, destruction, and rebirth. This cycle, ingrained in our cultural psyche, manifests in the recurring iconography of weaponry. It evolves, adapts, and resurfaces throughout history, forever capturing our imagination.