Poort, mogelijk een stadspoort 1880 - 1882

George Hendrik Breitner sketched this possible city gate at an unknown date, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The arch of the gate, a dominant feature, has served throughout history as a potent symbol of transition. Consider its earlier manifestation in Roman triumphal arches. Constructed to honor military achievements, these arches marked the passage into a realm of glory and conquest. Yet, as time marched on, the arch evolved, finding its place as a threshold in cathedrals, signifying spiritual passage. In our modern age, the gate persists, not just as a physical structure but as a psychological symbol of entering into a new phase of life. This persistent form embodies not just entry, but also the collective memory and subconscious desire for new beginnings. It speaks to our deepest emotions, offering both promise and a hint of trepidation. We see it again, and again.