Vooraanzicht van een koepelkerk voor op de Botermarkt te Amsterdam 1736

This is Joost van Sassen’s architectural drawing of a domed church for the Botermarkt in Amsterdam. The cross atop the church’s spire speaks of divine connection, an ancient symbol transcending cultures, from early Christian catacombs to its adoption as a universal emblem of faith. Notice the clock on the facade, a motif that carries echoes of mortality and the fleeting nature of time. Clocks appear in memento mori paintings, reminding viewers of life's brevity. This symbol serves not just to mark hours, but to evoke a deeper contemplation of existence. The facade, adorned with classical pilasters, carries the weight of Renaissance ideals, harking back to humanity's aspirations for order and harmony, reflecting a collective yearning for structure amidst life's chaos. This drawing, therefore, is not merely an architectural proposal. It is a convergence of symbols that resonate with our deepest fears and hopes, a testament to our enduring quest for meaning.