Het kasteel te Berlicum 1700 - 1800

This is an ink drawing of Het kasteel te Berlicum, and was made by an anonymous artist. The drawing invites us to consider the layered meanings embedded in architectural depictions. Castles, traditionally symbols of power and authority, carry stories of social hierarchy and control. This representation, though simple, speaks to broader themes of land ownership and the socio-economic structures of the time. Notice how the castle is surrounded by water. This could suggest both protection and isolation. The artist, although unknown, provides a glimpse into the relationship between the elite and the landscape. The choice to portray it in a humble drawing, rather than a grand painting, potentially democratizes the image. This allows for a more intimate, accessible encounter with a symbol of power. The castle, once a center of power, is now a quiet image, inviting us to reflect on the passage of time. It also encourages us to think about the stories and histories embedded in the places we inhabit.