Huizen aan een brug over de Jeker, Maastricht 1830 - 1899

Alexander Schaepkens etched this depiction of houses along the Jeker River in Maastricht. The archway, a dominant feature, is not merely a structural element; it's a symbol deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Consider the Roman triumphal arches, gateways designed to honor emperors and military victories, or the arches in sacred architecture such as Gothic cathedrals, directing the eye heavenward. This simple curve has become a potent symbol of transition, passage, and even spiritual transformation. Here, the arch frames a view, inviting us to look beyond, to imagine what lies on the other side. Perhaps it is a portal into memory itself, echoing through the corridors of time, always present, forever shifting in meaning. This image draws us in, urging us to contemplate the enduring power of architectural forms on our psyche.