Gezicht op het Kasteel van de Twee Torens in Sint-Joost-ten-Node 1841 - 1842

Paulus Lauters made this view of the Two Towers castle in Sint-Joost-ten-Node, in which he captured more than just a physical structure. Dominating the scene, the tower itself, with its conical roof and weather vane, stands as a symbol of stability and observation. Such towers, found throughout history, from ancient city walls to medieval fortifications, served as both defensive structures and symbols of power. Notice the weather vane atop the tower. This simple instrument, which shows the wind's direction, reminds us of humanity's age-old desire to understand and predict the forces of nature. The weather vane is more than just a practical tool; it's a metaphor for our constant need to find our bearings in an ever-changing world. The weather vane points us to how symbols once deeply rooted in our subconscious, evolve, and resurface throughout time.