Kasteelpoort van kasteel Doorwerth 1731

This soft pencil drawing of the Kasteelpoort van kasteel Doorwerth was made by Abraham de Haen the Younger. The castle gate, a threshold between the outside world and the inner sanctum, has been a potent symbol throughout history. Observe the archway: a form found in triumphal arches of ancient Rome, symbolizing victory and passage. It echoes through time, reappearing in medieval city gates, Renaissance palace entrances, and even modern monuments. The archway's curve, reminiscent of the celestial vault, suggests a connection to the divine, a cosmic journey. In contrast, the unadorned façade of the gatehouse evokes a sense of stoic resilience, mirroring the psychological defenses we construct to protect our inner selves. The motif of the gatehouse has shifted in meaning across time, initially representing power and protection, but also transition and change. The gatehouse continues to haunt our collective memory.