Gezicht op de Vismarkt te Rotterdam 1850 - 1900

This captivating photograph captures the bustling Rotterdam Vismarkt with its forest of masts that reach to the sky. These aren't just masts; they are symbols of ambition and connection, linking the terrestrial with the celestial, much like the obelisks of ancient Egypt sought to bridge the earthly and divine realms. Consider the masts, their forms echo not only those ancient obelisks, but also the spires of cathedrals—symbols of upward aspiration. In the context of Rotterdam, a center of trade, these masts transform into emblems of mercantile ambition, mirroring the city's aspirations to connect with distant shores and build a global network of exchange. Throughout history, such vertical symbols have persisted, embodying humanity's drive to reach beyond the tangible. These symbols of aspiration and connection are cyclical, and continue to evolve in meaning as they reappear in different eras.