View of Kasteel Nijenrode along the River Vecht, Seen from the North-east 1665

Johannes Leupenius created this drawing of Kasteel Nijenrode along the River Vecht in the late 17th century. The eye is immediately drawn to the castle's tower, a potent symbol of power and security. The tower, with its roots stretching back to ancient fortifications, echoes through history. Consider the Tower of Babel, a symbol of ambition and the hubris of man, or the defensive towers of medieval castles, protecting against external threats. The tower in Leupenius's drawing perhaps suggests a blend of secular authority and the aspiration to connect with higher realms. We find similar structures in many places and times, reflecting a universal human desire for protection. It triggers something deep within us, an innate longing for safety and order, shaped by centuries of collective experience and the need for survival. This image speaks to a psychological need, reminding us of the delicate balance between aspiration and security in human endeavors.