Achteraanzicht van buitenhuis De Nes te Vreeland 1687 - 1693

Bastiaen Stopendael rendered this depiction of the rear view of the De Nes country house in Vreeland with etching. Notice the symmetrical facade of the building, crowned with twin towers. The towers, adorned with weather vanes, invoke a sense of aspiration and dominion. The weather vane—more than a mere indicator of wind direction—is a symbol laden with historical and cultural weight. In ancient Greece, such devices were dedicated to gods like Poseidon, who ruled the seas and the winds. In seafaring cultures, the weather vane symbolized both navigation and divine favor, guiding sailors safely home. Consider, too, the tower itself. Rising above the landscape, it represents not just physical height, but also spiritual elevation. Throughout history, towers have served as watchtowers, beacons, and places of reflection, embodying humanity's perennial quest for enlightenment and protection. This symbol resurfaces through time, evolving from sacred obelisks to secular symbols of power.