Dorfkirchhof, rechts ein Mann 

Lambert Doomer made this drawing of a churchyard with graphite. Notice the dilapidated state of the architecture; the ruined archway into the churchyard carries profound symbolism. The arch, traditionally a symbol of triumph and transition, is here eroded and incomplete. This resonates with the transience of life. We see echoes of this motif throughout history, from Roman triumphal arches to funerary monuments. In Doomer's time, a ruined arch might have been a reminder of mortality, a vanitas symbol of the fleeting nature of earthly achievements. Consider the emotional weight: the broken archway invites reflection on the passage of time, the decay of structures, and the ultimate fate of all things. It speaks to our collective awareness of impermanence, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The symbolism of the ruined arch is powerful because it continues to resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across different historical contexts.