Rotswand aan de oever van de Maas 1838 - 1888

Jean Pierre François Lamorinière etched this image of a rock wall on the banks of the Meuse. Observe how the dramatic rock formations evoke a sense of nature's sublime power. The verticality of the rocks connects to the ancient human impulse to reach the heavens, seen in everything from the Tower of Babel to Gothic cathedrals. This reaching towards the sky speaks to our longing for transcendence. The symbol of the rock has been used as a motif throughout art history to represent stability. Yet, here, it seems to convey a sense of precarious balance, the drama heightened by light, the deep shadows creating a foreboding atmosphere. This primal scene taps into a collective memory of geologic instability. It evokes a deep-seated fear of being swallowed by the earth, an ever-present anxiety about the future. The image reflects the cyclical nature of symbols, how they evolve, resurface, and adapt across cultures and generations.