Gezicht op Veere, 1743 1752 - 1760

Jan Caspar Philips created this etching of Veere in 1743, capturing the city’s essence with its prominent towers and sturdy walls reflecting in the still water. The image evokes the notion of stability and resilience. Observe the recurring motif of the tower, a symbol stretching back to antiquity. Think of the Tower of Babel, a testament to human ambition, or the defensive towers of medieval fortresses. These structures, like those in Philips’ view, embody not only physical strength, but also the aspiration for transcendence and the anxieties of vulnerability. Over time, the tower’s meaning has shifted—from a symbol of defiance to a beacon of hope. It resurfaces in various forms—religious minarets, civic bell towers, or even modern skyscrapers—each echoing our primal desire to reach upward, to connect with something beyond our immediate existence. They are a testament to how deeply embedded these symbols are in our collective consciousness, shaping our understanding of civilization itself.