Curatorial notes
This depiction of the Stadhuis in Brussels from the 15th century showcases the enduring symbolism of the tower. Here, the tower is a beacon of civic pride, reaching skyward, a testament to human ambition. Yet, the tower's symbolic roots run deeper. Think back to the Tower of Babel, a story of human hubris and divine intervention. The impulse to build high, to create a structure that dominates the landscape, resonates across cultures and centuries. The Stadhuis tower, in its own way, echoes this primal urge. It is a statement of power, of permanence, and of the collective will of the city’s inhabitants. This reaching for the heavens, this dance between aspiration and limitation, remains a potent force in the human psyche. This image serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained these symbols are in our cultural consciousness, evolving yet enduring through the ages.
