Gezicht op de ruïne van de abdij van Villers c. 1825 - 1827

Théodore Fourmois captured the ruins of Villers Abbey in this evocative print. The abbey, once a center of spiritual and cultural life, now stands in disrepair, its arches and columns crumbling. Notice how the motif of ruins often symbolizes the transience of human achievement. The image of decay taps into a deep, collective memory of vanished civilizations. Think of the Roman Forum, or the Mayan temples swallowed by the jungle. These places evoke a sense of melancholy, reminding us of the inevitable passage of time and the impermanence of earthly power. Yet, within these ruins, there is also a sense of rebirth, or, at least, persistence. As we see nature reclaiming what was once built, this cyclical idea of decay and renewal resonates deeply within the human psyche. The ruin then becomes a place of reflection, inviting us to contemplate the enduring power of nature.