Huis ter Coulster te Heiloo 1717 - 1748

Abraham de Haen the Younger sketched "Huis ter Coulster te Heiloo" with pen in the 18th century. Dominating the composition are the castle's distinctive towers, their elaborate finials reaching skyward like outstretched fingers. The towers, far from being mere architectural features, are symbols of power and authority that stretch back through time. We see echoes of these forms in the minarets of Islamic architecture, reaching towards the divine, and even in the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia, striving for celestial connection. Consider the finial atop each tower. It's a motif that has been passed down through history, evolving and adapting as it appears in various forms—from the lotus flower in ancient Egypt, symbolizing rebirth and regeneration, to the fleur-de-lis of French royalty, signifying sovereignty and divine right. Each culture imbues these shapes with its own unique meanings, yet the underlying impulse remains the same. These towers speak to our collective memory and primal desire for transcendence. They appeal to our subconscious, evoking a sense of awe and wonder.