Binnenplaats van het Oldehuis of Slot te Vollenhove 1740

Hendrik Spilman's drawing captures the Oldehuis courtyard or castle in Vollenhove, rendered in ink around 1740. The composition, dominated by the stoic presence of fortified towers, evokes a sense of temporal depth, connecting us to the medieval concept of the stronghold as a refuge. The towers, symbols of power and protection, are motifs found throughout the history of art, from ancient Mesopotamian ziggurats to Renaissance fortress designs. Notice the well, a vital resource now relegated to the margins, yet once central to the life within the castle. These architectural elements stir something deep within us—a longing for security, a primal connection to the past. It is a testament to our enduring fascination with symbols of defense, of order against chaos. Consider how such structures resonate within our collective psyche, echoing through centuries, reappearing in different forms, each iteration carrying the weight of historical memory. This image becomes a powerful symbol, tapping into the profound, often subconscious emotions tied to protection, memory, and the relentless march of time.