Gezicht op de Delftsche Poort in Rotterdam c. 1905 - 1907

This photograph captures the Delftsche Poort in Rotterdam, a structure laden with symbolic weight. Architectural gateways, like this, have historically marked transitions—not just physical passages but also shifts in status and identity. Consider the arch itself, an ancient symbol of triumph and authority, seen in Roman triumphal arches and echoed in the ceremonial entrances of Renaissance cities. Here, it stands as a stoic emblem of civic pride and commercial vitality. But observe how the clock atop the gate—a memento mori—also hints at the transience of earthly achievements. The rhythmic cycle of time, represented by the clock's face, reminds us of the fleeting nature of human endeavors. Such imagery, consciously or unconsciously, taps into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, as these symbols reappear, evolve, and take on new meanings in different contexts.