Vijver en obelisk in de tuin van Kasteel Gunterstein, Breukelen 1680 - 1696

This engraving by Joseph Mulder depicts a pond and obelisk in the garden of Castle Gunterstein. Dominating the scene is the obelisk, an ancient Egyptian symbol adopted by the Romans and later integrated into European gardens as a sign of power, memory, and continuity. Notice how the obelisk, with its roots in phallic symbolism and sun worship, re-emerges here, transformed yet still potent. The presence of water, reflecting the obelisk, enhances its symbolic weight, hinting at the depths of collective memory. Water serves as a mirror, reflecting not just the physical world but also the layered meanings we project onto these enduring forms. The obelisk's verticality, piercing the sky, evokes a longing for transcendence, a reaching beyond the earthly realm. This visual echo of ancient aspirations engages us, tapping into a deep, subconscious recognition of humanity's persistent quest for meaning. The image resonates because it evokes a primal connection to symbols that have shaped our cultural psyche for millennia, highlighting the cyclical nature of symbols as they resurface, evolve, and acquire new significance.