Dakramen van twee huizen aan de Grote Markt in Veurne, België before 1887

This monochromatic print depicts the stepped gables of two houses in Veurne. The gable, a symbol of upward striving, appears throughout the medieval world, from towering cathedrals to the modest homes of merchants. Notice how the gable evolves into a staircase. This motif can be traced back to ancient ziggurats and pyramids, structures designed to bridge the earthly and divine realms. The stepped gable, thus, becomes a ladder, an invitation for the eye, and perhaps the soul, to ascend. In the collective memory, such a symbol resonates with our primal urge to reach beyond our grasp, to build towards the heavens. In time, the gable lost its religious connotations, becoming a symbol of civic pride. Yet, the inherent impulse remains: the desire to elevate, to distinguish, and to create a lasting mark on the world. This architectural gesture speaks of ambition, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.