The Rock in the Middle of the River 1621 - 1675

Allart van Everdingen etched "The Rock in the Middle of the River" to capture the formidable power of nature. Dominating the scene, this rock becomes a silent sentinel, a stoic symbol of endurance against the relentless flow of time. The image is reminiscent of the ancient motif of the "axis mundi," the world's center, a concept recurring across cultures. Think of the pyramids of Egypt or the sacred mountains of Asia; natural rock formations are invested with spiritual significance. Everdingen presents the rock as an unchanging form amid the flux of the river. This enduring symbol transcends geographical and temporal boundaries. Its continuous reappearance in art and myth serves as a potent reminder of our species' primal connection to the earth, resonating deep within our collective unconscious. It is this eternal recurrence that grips us, reminding us of the profound, unwavering forces that shape our world.