Vervallen stenen poort in een landschap 1665 - 1683

Jacob Lutma etched this landscape with a dilapidated stone gate in the mid-17th century. The ruin, draped in foliage, evokes the transience of human endeavor, a vanitas motif. But consider the arch itself: the archway isn't merely architectural. Throughout history, across cultures, the arch is a symbol of transition, of passage, of initiation. Think of triumphal arches celebrating victory, or the archways leading into sacred spaces. Here, the broken arch speaks not only to decay, but also to the cyclical nature of time. We can think of the classical Roman arch, adopted from the Etruscans, itself a cultural echo. The arch represents aspirations and power, yet here it is reclaimed by nature. This image touches upon the subconscious human awareness of time's passage, triggering deep-seated reflections on mortality and legacy. Lutma masterfully captures this psychological weight through a seemingly simple landscape, revealing the potent, enduring power of symbols.