Vuurtoren van Alexandrië 1572

Philips Galle created this engraving of the Lighthouse of Alexandria in the late 16th century, capturing the legendary structure with an eye for both detail and symbolism. Dominating the composition, the lighthouse, or ‘Pharos’, represents not just a navigational aid but also human ambition and technological prowess. Note the spirals of the tower, echoing the Tower of Babel, a timeless motif symbolizing man's striving for the heavens. This symbol transcends cultures, reappearing throughout history, from ancient ziggurats to modern skyscrapers. The spiral form itself, found in nature and architecture, carries a potent psychological charge. It evokes a sense of progression, expansion, and the cyclical nature of time. The lighthouse, then, is a powerful emblem of human aspiration, a beacon of hope against the turbulent seas. It represents the enduring quest for knowledge and enlightenment, a guiding light across the ages.