Dorpsgezicht te Leersum, 1755 1755 - 1797

This print of Leersum, near Utrecht, was created in 1755 by Paulus van Liender using etching. Notice the church steeple, piercing the sky with its cross. A symbol of faith and community, it evokes the ancient longing to bridge the earthly and divine. Throughout the ages, similar spires have risen— reaching towards the heavens—yet their meanings evolve. Think of the ziggurats of Mesopotamia, massive stepped pyramids built to house temples. Or the soaring minarets of Islamic mosques, each form echoing a yearning for spiritual connection. This impulse, deeply rooted in our collective psyche, resurfaces across cultures. The steeple is not merely an architectural element; it is a vessel of cultural memory, embodying humanity's timeless quest for transcendence and security. The image inspires a subtle emotional resonance, as the church steeple gives a sense of hope within a community. It stands as a testament to humanity’s enduring quest for meaning.