Zonsondergang, met kleurnotities 1876 - 1924

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof captured this sunset with graphite on paper. The image presents a panoramic view where the earth seems to meet the sky. Note the descending lines from the sky. These lines have appeared in various contexts, from religious iconography to landscape painting. Recall the depictions of divine light in Renaissance art, where golden rays symbolize spiritual enlightenment. Here, the lines lack that specific religious connotation, yet they retain a sense of transcendence, suggesting a connection between the earthly and the celestial. The sunset, a powerful symbol itself, represents closure but also the promise of a new beginning. Like the ouroboros, it embodies the cyclical nature of life, and engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The progression of this symbol is non-linear: it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.