Kasteel Biljoen 1833

This graphite drawing of Kasteel Biljoen, made by Johannes Tavenraat, presents a stoic facade, subtly revealing the psychological weight of architecture. Note the castle's towers, capped with ornamental decorations, which are reminiscent of ancient watchtowers. This symbol of vigilance stretches back to antiquity, from the lookouts of Roman forts to medieval keeps. Here, they are softened, domesticated, yet they retain an echo of their martial origins. Think how this motif appears in children’s stories, imbued with both safety and a latent sense of threat. The symmetrical composition, with its central door and balanced windows, evokes a sense of order and control, yet this symmetry can also feel rigid, hinting at repressed emotions. This balance, so often found in classical architecture, speaks to a desire for harmony, but also perhaps, a fear of chaos lurking beneath the surface. The castle, silent and imposing, engages our subconscious, inviting us to consider the complex interplay between protection, power, and the enduring human need for shelter.