Stadsgezicht te Alkmaar 1845 - 1875

Bernardus Gerardus ten Berge created this cityscape of Alkmaar in an undated print. The composition is structured around a central body of water that mirrors the scene above, creating a symmetrical balance that is both visually calming and intellectually engaging. Ten Berge uses a delicate hand with colour, favouring muted tones that lend the scene a sense of nostalgia. Linear perspective guides the eye towards the horizon, where a windmill punctuates the skyline, serving as a focal point. The work operates within a semiotic framework where elements like the windmill and the church spire act as signs, hinting at the economic and spiritual heart of the community. The reflections on the water's surface introduce a play of duplication and reversal, challenging our perception of reality. The formal elements of the artwork—the lines, shapes, and hues—are not merely aesthetic choices but rather function as signifiers within a broader cultural and philosophical dialogue.