Koorhek met open deur before 1667

This print was made by Jean Lepautre in the 17th century. We see a grand interior, where the most striking element is the open door, flanked by elaborate carvings. The door, a potent symbol, invites us to consider thresholds. Throughout history, doors have represented transitions—from one state to another, one world to the next. Think of ancient Egyptian tombs, where doors marked the passage to the afterlife, or Roman triumphal arches, gateways to glory. Here, the open door might symbolize opportunity, invitation, or even a dare to cross a boundary. This symbol has resurfaced time and again, each time imbued with the anxieties and aspirations of a new era. The image resonates because it taps into our collective memory, a subconscious understanding of passage. The emotional pull of the open door remains a potent force, engaging us on a deep, psychological level. The door is never just a door.