Rivierlandschap met steiger, roeiboot en brug 1799 - 1874

This tranquil riverscape was etched by Hendrik Jozef Franciscus van der Poorten. See how the water motif dominates the composition. Water, a universal symbol of life, purification, and transformation, here flows gently, reflecting the sky and the surrounding landscape. The presence of boats and bridges further enriches the scene. Boats have long been associated with journeys, both literal and metaphorical, carrying souls across the waters of life and death. Bridges, as connectors, symbolize transitions and the overcoming of obstacles. In ancient mythology, bridges often served as links between the earthly and divine realms, such as the Bifrost in Norse lore. Note also the figures engaged in leisure—fishing, boating. Such pastoral scenes evoke a sense of harmony between humanity and nature, mirroring the idyllic landscapes of classical antiquity. The collective memory of such scenes, deeply embedded in our subconscious, invites us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and our place within it. The flowing river speaks to us of time's passage, reminding us of the cyclical nature of existence.