Huizen aan de singel buiten de Diezerbuitenpoort te Zwolle c. 1631 - 1633

Gerard ter Borch the Younger sketched these houses along the canal outside Zwolle’s Diezerbuitenpoort. Dominating the scene is the image of the dwelling. This simple structure resonates deeply, symbolizing safety, refuge, and the very foundation of human society. Notice how the buildings are arranged - they evoke a sense of community, a shared space where people live and interact. The dwelling is not merely a physical structure; it is a repository of collective memory and human experience. Across different eras and civilizations, the idea of home has been central, from the tents of nomadic tribes to the grandest of palaces. Think of how this simple image has evolved through time, taking different forms but always representing the same primal need for security and belonging. Consider how the image evokes a deep sense of familiarity and longing. This is not just a building; it represents the hopes, fears, and dreams of those who inhabit it. This image reminds us of our shared human journey.