Huis Goudestein te Maarssen 1666 - 1693

This print of Huis Goudestein in Maarssen was created by Johannes Leupenius in the late 17th century. Note the statue atop the building's tower; it depicts a golden deer, the namesake of the estate. Deer, throughout history, symbolize various things: gentleness in some cultures, vigilance and swiftness in others. Consider, too, how the image of a deer has traveled through time, from the sacred groves of Artemis in ancient Greece to the heraldic symbols of medieval Europe. It appears in cave paintings, tapestries, and even modern logos, each time adapted to new cultural landscapes. This enduring image taps into the collective memory of humanity, engaging our subconscious understanding of nature and nobility. Here, this gilded deer, proudly displayed, not only identifies the estate but evokes a sense of elevated status, a visual echo of a more primal connection to the natural world. As we gaze upon it, we are drawn into a non-linear narrative, one where the past continually informs the present.