Stadsmuur met een herberg Possibly 1630 - 1717

Anthonie Waterloo created this etching, "City Wall with an Inn", capturing a scene brimming with cultural echoes. See how Waterloo presents the inn not just as a place of rest, but almost as a sanctuary, sheltered by the imposing city wall, a symbol of protection and community. Consider how the motif of the city wall echoes through history, from the ancient fortifications of Jericho to the Great Wall of China. These walls, both physical and symbolic, represent humanity's enduring need for security and order. Yet, they also suggest exclusion, a boundary between the known and the unknown. Interestingly, the presence of an inn juxtaposed with the wall speaks to the human need for connection. The inn is an invitation, a counterpoint to the wall's inherent barrier. This tension, a reflection of our ambivalent relationship with safety and freedom, continues to resonate across the ages. So, observe how Waterloo has captured not just a place, but a timeless human story.