Vooraanzicht van de rechtbank te Westzaan 1782

Theodoor Koning rendered this frontispiece of the courthouse in Westzaan with pen and gray ink, revealing symbols of power and justice deeply rooted in classical traditions. Notice the columns, a clear nod to Greco-Roman architecture, signifying stability, rationality, and democratic ideals. These architectural elements evoke the weight of history and the continuous human quest for order. At the very top, a radiant sunburst emblem stands—a symbol that recurs throughout history, from ancient sun gods to emblems of enlightenment and reason. This symbol is not static; it evolves, absorbing cultural and historical context with each iteration. Consider its prominence in Louis XIV's imagery, where it represented absolute power, in stark contrast with its appearance here, atop a pillar of civic duty. This symbol engages us on a subconscious level. It speaks to our collective memory of authority, protection, and truth, sparking contemplation about the cyclical nature of power and its ever-shifting meanings. The Courthouse is not merely a building, but a stage where symbols play out the timeless drama of human governance.