De Prinsekerk en Boterhal te Rotterdam 1790

This drawing shows us the Prinsekerk and Boterhal in Rotterdam, captured by Jan Bulthuis with pen and gray ink. The presence of a rooster, a symbol that sits atop both buildings, immediately catches my eye. Historically, the rooster is associated with vigilance and resurrection, a potent emblem of the Christian faith, watching over the town. One can observe how similar avian symbols have been used in earlier times, such as the eagle in Roman imperial imagery. These symbols are powerful in expressing ideas of authority, leadership, and spiritual watchfulness. They tap into our collective memory, evoking a sense of tradition and communal identity. But observe how this proud rooster, once perched on temples or palaces, now finds itself on a more modest building. This is no longer about imperial power but more about community and trade. The image also draws upon our subconscious understanding of protection and guidance, engaging us on an emotional level. The rooster, despite its transformations, continues its symbolic journey through time, resonating across cultures and eras.