Huizen aan weerszijden van een weg 1878

Willem Witsen rendered this drawing of houses along a road with graphite on paper. The houses, captured with minimal detail, evoke a sense of the archetypal dwelling, a form deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Notice how the road pulls you into the composition, guiding your eye through the scene. Roads, pathways, and journeys have been potent symbols across cultures and eras. From the ancient Roman roads that facilitated trade and empire, to the spiritual 'paths' in Eastern religions, these motifs signify not just physical travel, but also life’s journey and transformation. Think of the labyrinth, or the Buddhist Eightfold Path. Here, Witsen presents us with a quieter, more mundane journey. Yet, even in this simplicity, the road carries the weight of human experience, of movement and change, reminding us that every path, no matter how ordinary, holds the potential for discovery and transformation. It’s a subtle yet powerful invitation to reflect on our own journeys, both physical and spiritual.