Ophaalbrug bij de Visserij te Gent 1878

Gustave Den Duyts created this print of the Ophaalbrug in Ghent using etching techniques. The bridge itself is more than just a structure; it’s a symbol of transition. Notice how the bridge spans the canal, connecting two sides, and how this reflects the broader human experience of connecting different realms, the here and there, the conscious and unconscious. In ancient cultures, bridges were often seen as sacred passages. Think of the Roman Pontifex Maximus, the ‘greatest bridge-builder,’ a title that evolved into a high religious office. Even today, in our dreams, bridges often symbolize a passage, a crucial decision, or a transformative period in our lives. Duyts captures the quiet, unassuming bridge, yet evokes a sense of potential, of journeys waiting to be undertaken. The emotional resonance of such a familiar structure lies in its timeless ability to remind us of our own crossings and connections.