Hof van Sonoy te Alkmaar 1724

This wash drawing depicts the Hof van Sonoy in Alkmaar and was made in 1724 by Abraham Meyling. The tower, a clear symbol of power and vigilance, rises prominently above the courtyard. It has roots stretching back to ancient watchtowers, where similar structures were used to offer protection. The tower reminds me of the biblical Tower of Babel, representing both human ambition and the potential for disarray. Think of the medieval cityscapes of Florence or Siena, where towers symbolized family status and control. The image evokes feelings of protection but also confinement. This courtyard, once a center of activity and life, is now depicted in a state of quietude and invites you to consider the passage of time and the cyclical nature of power and memory. These motifs have resurfaced and evolved, echoing through history and taking on new meanings.