Koppelpoort te Amersfoort bij maanlicht 1811 - 1867

Christiaan Wilhelmus Moorrees made this small etching of the Koppelpoort at Amersfoort under the light of the moon. Notice how the moon dominates the image, casting long shadows that stretch across the cobblestone street, as an adult, child, and dog walk towards the gate. The moon, a symbol of the night, mystery, and the cyclical nature of time, evokes deep-seated emotions, embodying both comfort and unease. Consider its reflection in ancient mythologies: Selene in Greek lore, Luna in Roman, each a divine personification of the celestial body. Across cultures, the moon is linked to transformation and the subconscious. This connection continues to appear in art through time. Think of Caspar David Friedrich’s moonlit landscapes, where the moon symbolizes introspection and the sublime. The artist uses the moon to tap into a primal emotional register. Like the moon, symbols never truly vanish; they merely transform.