Lighthouse in Westkapelle 1909

Piet Mondrian presents us with a lighthouse in Westkapelle, its construction realized through vibrant brushstrokes. This tower is no mere coastal guide; it stands as a beacon, laden with symbolism, echoing towers across time and culture. From the Tower of Babel, reaching for divine knowledge, to the watchtowers of medieval fortresses, the vertical structure has always signified aspiration, protection, and a connection between the earthly and the celestial. Consider the pharos of Alexandria, one of the ancient wonders. Like this lighthouse, it guided sailors but also embodied the power and knowledge of a civilization. As we delve into the collective unconscious, we see the tower as a phallic symbol, representing strength and stability, jutting upwards against the horizon. The cyclical nature of symbols sees the tower evolve; from a place of refuge, to a symbol of power. It re-emerges in modern cities as skyscrapers. Here, Mondrian's lighthouse, with its vibrant daubs of color, touches something deep within us, a primal recognition of the tower as a constant in our ever-changing world.