De Reguliers Gracht te Amsterdam 1870 - 1926

Willem Wenckebach created this print of the Reguliers Canal in Amsterdam using etching. Notice how the arch of the bridge is mirrored in the water below, creating a complete circle, a potent symbol across cultures. The circle, or "ouroboros," often represents eternity and the cyclical nature of life. In ancient Egypt, it was a snake devouring its own tail, embodying the perpetual renewal of the world. The image of the circle here engages our subconscious, hinting at themes of continuity and the passage of time. It’s not just a bridge, but a symbolic threshold, a conduit between spaces and moments. This motif reappears throughout art history, from Renaissance allegories to contemporary art, always evoking a sense of completion and endless return. It demonstrates how images transcend temporal boundaries, embedding deep within our collective memory and cultural consciousness.