Kasteel Moyland en Huis Rosendal, 1746 1760 - 1792

Paulus van Liender's engraving from 1746 depicts Kasteel Moyland and Huis Rosendal, each a fortress of domesticity. Water surrounds each building, and the images carry a visual language rooted in defense and status. Castles have stood as symbols of power since medieval times, their architectural forms evolving to meet changing threats and social needs. Consider, for example, the fortress's evolution from a purely defensive structure to a more decorative residence, reflecting a shift from military might to aristocratic display. Think of similar transformations in classical antiquity, where civic buildings gradually incorporated elements of religious architecture, blurring the lines between state authority and divine right. This image stirs a deep, subconscious connection to our ancestors' yearning for security. The reflection of each castle in its moat is not only aesthetic, but also hints at the dual nature of existence, mirroring our conscious and subconscious selves, eternally seeking stability amidst life's fluctuating currents.