Compositie met obelisk in halve koepel 1686 - 1724

This drawing presents a composition with an obelisk under a half dome. The obelisk, a symbol originating from ancient Egypt, represents not just power and authority but also a connection between the earthly and the divine realms. Notice how this ancient symbol is placed within a Renaissance architectural setting, demonstrating a conscious revival and reinterpretation of classical motifs. Think of the obelisks erected by the Romans in antiquity, symbols of imperial power that were later re-contextualized by Christian rulers in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, who placed them in front of churches. In this drawing, the obelisk is surrounded by other decorative elements, such as human figures, garlands and ornamental candelabras, that were inspired by classical antiquity. This juxtaposition is loaded with symbolic weight, revealing a deep-seated human desire to connect with the past while simultaneously transforming its meaning. The careful arrangement of these symbols speaks to a psychological need for order and continuity, a way of making sense of the world through visual language.