Schweizerhus på vejen mellem Fribourg og Vevay 1845

This is Johan Thomas Lundbye’s sketch from 1848, a humble dwelling on the road between Fribourg and Vevay, rendered in delicate strokes. The house, with its simple, angular form, recalls the ancient symbol of the home: a sanctuary. Observe the balcony, adorned with a rhythmic series of vertical posts. This motif is reminiscent of classical colonnades. The verticality speaks to the idea of a protective barrier, a threshold between the domestic and the untamed wilderness, between safety and exposure. This structure symbolizes a communal endeavor, a subconscious expression of humanity's desire for order and security in the face of nature's unpredictable forces. Across epochs, this archetype resurfaces, a testament to our enduring psychological need for a safe haven. From the primitive hut to the grandest palace, the house motif embodies a powerful, emotional connection to roots, family, and belonging, all echoing through time.