Boerenerf en een schuur c. 1780 - 1800

This drawing shows a farmyard and shed by Barend Hendrik Thier. Look at the well with its lifting mechanism, a common motif in Dutch art. The well is an ancient symbol, appearing in myths and folklore across cultures as a source of life and wisdom, often associated with the divine feminine. In medieval art, wells frequently symbolize grace. Consider how, in the story of Jacob meeting Rachel at the well, it becomes a place of encounter and destiny. The thatched roofs also speak of a connection to the earth. The use of natural materials roots the buildings in their surroundings, suggesting a harmonious relationship between the inhabitants and their environment. It's a reminder of the enduring human connection to the land.