Binnenplaats van een boerderij 1773 - 1843

Georges Michel composed this pencil drawing, ‘Farmhouse Courtyard,’ revealing the timeless image of rural life. The well, centrally placed, has always been more than a source of water; it symbolizes life, sustenance, and community gathering. The well's recurring motif goes beyond utility. In ancient Greece, sacred wells were associated with healing and divination. In Christian symbolism, the well represents the fount of life and spiritual nourishment. This archetype reappears through centuries, from medieval allegories to modern literature, shifting yet retaining its essential meaning. Such images tap into our collective unconscious. The well and the home stir deep-seated memories of nurture and safety, and these memories transcend time, evoking a sense of rootedness. Thus, the farmhouse courtyard is not merely a depiction of 18th-century life but an echo of enduring symbols, resonating across history and culture in a perpetual cycle.