Kasteel Biljoen te Velp 1731

Abraham de Haen the Younger created this drawing of Kasteel Biljoen in 1731. The castle, with its symmetrical facade, balanced wings, and orderly windows, embodies principles of humanism. Consider how these architectural choices reflect a desire for harmony and control over nature. The castle's orderly structure contrasts with the wildness of the natural world beyond its walls. This deliberate contrast reminds me of the concept of the "hortus conclusus," or enclosed garden, often depicted in medieval art. These gardens symbolize a safe, ordered space, separated from the chaos of the outside world. The castle, like the garden, becomes a vessel for our desires for peace. It represents a yearning for an ordered and protected existence, a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The architecture reflects how symbols are continually adopted, adapted, and invested with new layers of meaning across time.