Gezicht op kasteel de Gelderse Toren te Spankeren 1741

Hendrik Spilman etched this view of Gelderse Toren castle in Spankeren in the 18th century. The tower, solid and unyielding, stands as a testament to the enduring human desire for protection. This desire echoes across time, resonating with ancient ziggurats and medieval keeps alike. Note the bridge, adorned with climbing plants. Bridges have always been symbols of connection, of the human desire to overcome division and seek passage. Think of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, itself a bridge adorned with life and commerce. Yet, here, the bridge's delicate appearance and floral adornment suggest not just physical passage but also a journey of transformation, a motif that recurs in myths and rituals throughout history. These symbols are not static. They are constantly being reinterpreted, imbued with new layers of meaning that speak to our collective consciousness. The image of the Gelderse Toren reminds us that our world is full of symbols that echo through time, revealing the ever-changing tapestry of human existence.