Huis aan een rivier c. 1555 - 1615

Jan de Hoey's etching presents a humble dwelling by a river, evoking a sense of pastoral simplicity through its architectural motifs. Notice the thatched roof and the chimney which represent the hearth and home. These are powerful symbols of domesticity and security, rooted in the cultural psyche across centuries. The image reminds me of similar structures depicted in medieval tapestries, where the home symbolizes not just shelter but a space of moral and social order. The way the house is placed precariously on the riverbank brings to mind the psychological concept of the "primal scene," evoking a sense of vulnerability and exposure to the elements. We can consider its link to an emotional state of precarity. The lone tree with its sparse branches, a vanitas symbol, reminds us of the transient nature of life. It’s a motif echoed through art history, from classical sculptures to modern photography. The symbol’s cyclical journey highlights its resilience and adaptability as it continues to resonate with our collective consciousness, transformed yet familiar.