Diverse landschapsschetsen op een blad 1837 - 1903

Jan Striening created this landscape sketch on paper, a scene punctuated by the quiet symbolism of a building's facade. Consider the motif of the doorway—an ancient symbol of transition and passage. Since antiquity, portals have represented not only physical entry but also spiritual and psychological transformation. Think of the gates of Ishtar or Janus, doorways symbolizing cosmic shifts. Here, the doorway quietly suggests a movement, a passage into the unknown, laden with subconscious anticipation. Over time, the doorway's image has evolved from monumental arches to humble openings like this one. Yet, the emotional core remains: a threshold, an invitation to cross from one state to another. The lack of further detail evokes a sense of mystery and wonder, engaging our collective memory of journeys and thresholds. This image invites us to reflect on our own passages through life, the choices we make, and the paths we choose to enter.