Het dorp Berkenwoude, Krimpenerwaard 1701 - 1759

This drawing of Berkenwoude by Cornelis Pronk captures a simple village scene through understated lines and marks. The church spire is of particular interest, topped with a weather vane that pierces the sky, evoking a connection between the earthly and celestial realms. The spire and the cross it bears echo similar forms found throughout history, from ancient obelisks pointing to the heavens to the minarets of Islamic architecture. Each represents a reaching towards the divine. The weather vane is also a sign, like an arrow, a compass, a sundial, hinting towards a symbolic navigation through life's uncertainties, guided by faith and a higher purpose. This symbol persists, reshaped and repurposed across cultures, bearing witness to humanity's enduring quest for meaning. It engages us on a deep, perhaps subconscious level, reminding us of our own fleeting existence and yearning for something greater than ourselves.