Stadsgezicht te Weeze en de Huizen Hartefeld en Kalbeek, 1743 1758 - 1762

Paulus van Liender’s 1743 engraving, presents us with two serene landscapes, each dominated by imposing structures of human aspiration. Notice the towering spires of the church and the fortified manor houses, symbols of spiritual and earthly power in the 18th century. These architectural forms are not merely structures, but embodiments of collective memory and cultural values. The spire, for instance, reaching towards the heavens, echoes the ancient obelisks of Egypt, a recurring motif across civilizations representing humanity’s reaching toward the divine. The image of a fortified house is reminiscent of medieval castles. These protected, self-contained worlds evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler, more secure past. It’s no coincidence that they emerge in artistic expression, resonating with a deep-seated desire for safety and permanence. These images engage us on a subconscious level, reminding us of our enduring quest for meaning. They also reveal the non-linear, cyclical progression of symbols, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.