Veer 1606 - 1656

This drawing was made by Jan van Goyen. Observe the ferry, or "veer", with its passengers. Note the architectural ruins to the left, a constant reminder of time's passage and the impermanence of human creation. The symbol of water is also a prominent image, often representing the unconscious and the fluidity of life. The presence of ruins appears not only in van Goyen's work but also in that of his contemporaries and predecessors, carrying echoes of classical antiquity. Think of the "memento mori" in a Dutch still life. These images remind us of our own mortality, encouraging contemplation on the cyclical nature of existence. The water motif, too, stretches back through ancient mythologies. The river Styx is a powerful symbol of transition, and the unknown, evoking deep emotional responses tied to collective anxieties about life's uncertainties. Thus, van Goyen's simple scene transcends its immediate appearance, resonating with primal human concerns, weaving together past and present.