Rivierlandschap met twee vrouwen op een brug 1614 - 1618

This river landscape was etched by Cornelis Claesz. van Wieringen, capturing a serene scene with figures and architectural elements. Notice the bridge on the left—an ancient symbol of transition, connecting the earthly and the spiritual, much like the Roman pontifex, the 'bridge-builder' between humanity and the gods. The two women stand near the water, an archetypal image of purity and renewal, evoking the nymphs of classical antiquity or the water spirits of Northern European folklore. Their presence adds a layer of timelessness, resonating with the subconscious echoes of cultural memory. This scene evokes a sense of longing, a visual echo of humanity's perpetual quest for harmony and understanding within the natural world. The image speaks to the cyclical nature of symbols, their power to resurface across eras, adapting and reflecting the ever-changing human experience.