Huis Oudaen 1727 - 1733

This etching of Huis Oudaen was made in 1719 by Abraham Rademaker. Dominating the composition, the house itself is an emblem of stability, power, and the enduring presence of the family or institution it shelters. The architecture is reaching towards the sky, a testament to human ambition and connection to the divine. These architectural motifs echo through time, harkening back to the ziggurats of Mesopotamia, each tier a step closer to the heavens, as well as forward to modern-day skyscrapers. The impulse to build upwards seems to be an inherent part of the human psyche, with the tower a symbol of control, order, and cultural achievement. Notice how the house is framed by meticulously rendered trees, representing the eternal cycle of life and the human desire to find harmony with nature. This reflects a deep-seated longing for order and understanding in a world that often feels chaotic. Like a dream, these elements create a powerful, subconscious connection between the viewer and the artwork. The image reminds us of how these symbols constantly return, reborn in each era.