Huis van Hans van Welij 1631

This print captures the facade of Hans van Welij’s house with precise lines. The building’s design is full of classical motifs, most notably the round window at the top. This feature, prominent in Renaissance architecture, echoes the oculus of ancient Roman temples, designed to bring the heavens into sacred spaces. Its presence on a domestic facade suggests a desire to ennoble everyday life, to connect the home with broader traditions of history and learning. The masks at the bottom corners flanking the entrance hint at the theatricality of life, a reminder of ancient Greek drama and the complex emotions they evoked. We see echoes of these masks in later art forms, from Baroque sculpture to contemporary design. The emotional power of such motifs lies in their ability to tap into our collective memory, engaging us on a subconscious level. As these symbols resurface across different eras, they evolve and gain new significance, reflecting the ever-changing tapestry of human experience.