Gezicht op Bruinisse, 1745

Hendrik Spilman's etching from 1745 depicts a church in Bruinisse, dominated by the church's spire reaching heavenward. The spire, crowned with a cross, is more than a mere architectural feature; it is a symbol with deep roots, an axis mundi linking the earthly and divine realms. This symbol echoes through time, from the obelisks of ancient Egypt to the minarets of Islamic mosques, each a physical manifestation of humanity's yearning for connection with the cosmos. Even the simple act of pointing a finger upwards carries a similar subconscious resonance. Observe how the spire in Spilman's etching acts as a focal point, drawing our gaze and, perhaps, our thoughts towards the heavens, reflecting a collective memory deeply embedded in the human psyche. It’s a testament to how symbols persist, evolve, and continually resurface, adapting to new contexts while retaining their primal, emotional power.