Huis Gageldonck 1837 - 1903

Jan Striening rendered this view of Huis Gageldonck with graphite on paper. The house, with its prominent tower and arched doorway, evokes notions of refuge and permanence. But consider the well to the left of the house, a recurring motif throughout art history and culture. Wells are sources of life, yet also gateways to the unknown depths below, and a potent symbol of the subconscious mind. Carl Jung would argue that the well represents the collective unconscious, a reservoir of shared human experiences and archetypes. In mythologies, wells are often associated with mystical powers and divination, evoking the introspective journey into the self. The presence of the well in this seemingly tranquil landscape introduces an element of psychological depth, engaging us in a dialogue between the visible and the unseen. This dialogue is repeated endlessly, each time tinted with different shades of meaning.