Arbeiderswoningen 1888 - 1889

Alexander Shilling sketched these workers' homes, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century, using pencil on paper. The thatched roofs, a dominant feature here, evoke a sense of rustic simplicity and a direct connection to the land. This motif of the thatched roof is not unique to this time or place. One finds similar architectural elements in medieval Northern European art, where it symbolized both shelter and the humble lives of the peasantry. Over time, the thatched roof has transformed from a mere functional element to a potent symbol. It reflects a longing for simpler times and a connection to nature. The image stirs something deep within us—a collective memory of home and hearth. It's a poignant reminder of how cultural symbols can transcend time, continuously resurfacing and adapting to new contexts, carrying with them the echoes of human experience.