Façade met rondbogen en balkon 1772 - 1779

This is Jean Pelletier’s "Façade met rondbogen en balkon," an architectural study rendered in ink around 1736. Note the rounded arches at the base, a motif that harkens back to ancient Roman aqueducts and triumphal arches, symbols of power and empire. Above, garlands adorn the windows, evoking classical associations with celebrations. These features do more than decorate; they speak to a deep-seated human desire to connect with an idealized past. Consider how this classical language resurfaces in later architectural movements, like the Neoclassical period. These symbols, laden with cultural memory, tap into something profound within us, engaging our emotions and shaping our understanding of power, beauty, and order. The cyclical recurrence of this symbol in art and architecture is a testament to our enduring need to find meaning and stability in a world of constant change.