Gezicht op de gevels van Herengracht 392-384 te Amsterdam c. 1901

Willem Witsen captured these facades of Herengracht 392-384 in Amsterdam with graphite on paper. Notice the stepped gable, a signature of Dutch Golden Age architecture. These gables weren’t mere decoration; they signified social status and wealth, a kind of visual language understood by all. Consider how similar architectural elements appear across Europe, like the crenellations on medieval castles, each a symbol of power. Yet, the gable is not confined to Europe alone; it echoes in various forms from ancient temples to modern homes, each iteration carrying echoes of its past. The psychological weight of "home" is immense. Architecture, as a reflection of society, subconsciously shapes our understanding of belonging. This drawing, therefore, becomes more than just an architectural study; it's a mirror reflecting our deep-seated need for structure and order. This need continues to resurface, evolving with us, as we build and rebuild our environments.