Gezicht op de westerzijkant van Huis ten Bosch after 1717

This is an anonymous etching of Huis ten Bosch palace, capturing its western side and garden. Note the symmetry, a deliberate motif to convey order and harmony. This concept is as old as the pyramids, where balance was thought to reflect divine order and became a prominent element during the Renaissance, symbolizing rationality and control over nature. Observe how the perfectly aligned trees, the symmetrical facades, and the balanced garden layout all guide the viewer's gaze towards the center, a symbol of the human desire to tame the wild, imposing a rational structure on the unpredictable forces of nature. The symbolism of symmetry is not merely aesthetic; it reflects our deep-seated psychological need for order and predictability in a world that often feels chaotic. The image aims to create a sense of emotional calm, reflecting the enduring human quest for stability.