Gezicht op de Schreierstoren in Amsterdam 1778 - 1783

Jan Caspar Philips created this print of the Schreierstoren in Amsterdam in the 18th century. The tower, with its pointed spire, stands as a stoic sentinel, overlooking the bustling harbor. But look closer, and you’ll see the etymology of its name, the "Weeping Tower," hinting at the sorrowful departures of sailors. This motif of departure and sorrow echoes throughout art history, resonating with images of leave-taking, such as that of Ulysses leaving Penelope. Here, the tower is not merely a structure, but a vessel for collective memory, evoking the emotional weight of farewells and the uncertainty of voyages. The presence of the tree can be seen as a symbol of life, bearing witness to the human dramas unfolding beneath its branches. The image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level, inviting us to contemplate the cyclical nature of human experience, where joy and sorrow, arrival and departure, are inextricably intertwined.