Gezicht op een kanaal onder huizen in Dordrecht 1900

Willem Witsen etched this view of a canal under houses in Dordrecht, capturing a seemingly ordinary scene. Yet, within its depths, symbols of historical and cultural memory stir. The bridge, a dominant motif, represents a connection between two separate spaces. In ancient Rome, the bridge held sacred significance, seen as a vital link, guarded by priests. Now, it serves as a mundane passage over water. But consider its reflection—a mirror image, symbolizing duality. This recalls psychological concepts of the self, where the conscious and unconscious intertwine. The bridge, therefore, acts as a passageway not only over water but also through layers of time and consciousness. The water itself is a universal symbol of the unconscious, reflecting the world above yet holding unseen depths. Witsen evokes a profound, primal connection to the past, engaging our subconscious on a deeply emotional level. This view is not just a scene; it's a cultural echo, reminding us of how symbols resurface.