Plaggenhutten op de droogmakerij aan de Oostkade in Rotterdam 1871

This is a pencil drawing made by Johannes Tavenraat which depicts simple, primitive dwellings with thatched roofs. These huts, huddling together on the landscape, evoke images of early human settlements. The thatched roof, a humble shield against the elements, transcends mere utility. It echoes in the great halls of ancient Europe, where similar roofs sheltered communities and fostered a sense of shared identity. Think of the Viking longhouses or the peasant homes depicted in medieval tapestries—each carries the same primal symbolism. These structures tap into a collective memory of shelter and community. They remind us of the fundamental human need for protection, warmth, and belonging. The image engages us on a deeply subconscious level, stirring up a sense of our past. The motif of the simple dwelling has resurfaced, evolving with each era, bearing witness to the enduring human quest for home and hearth.