Inrukken van militairen in Amersfoort, 1785 1793

This print, made by Reinier Vinkeles in 1785, depicts the entry of soldiers into Amersfoort. Observe the recurring motif of the tower looming in the background. The tower, a symbol of civic pride and religious authority, also carries an ominous weight. Think back to the Tower of Babel, a monument to human ambition that led to divine retribution. The tower in Vinkeles' print suggests not only the power of the city but also the potential for hubris and conflict. Consider the image of the tower throughout history—from medieval cityscapes to modern skylines. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, always carrying with it echoes of past glories and potential downfalls. This cyclical progression reminds us that history, much like the images we create, is never truly linear.