Gezicht op Huis te Blotinghe te Rijswijk 1663 - 1670

Cornelis Elandts' print captures Blotinghe House in Rijswijk, rendering it with ink on paper. The structure is presented like a fortress, surrounded by a moat and lush trees. The house, with its sturdy tower, evokes images of medieval castles, symbols of power, security, and the domestic sphere. These fortifications reflect a longing for a past when the home was a sanctuary against a chaotic world. Think of similar images in tapestries, illuminated manuscripts, even children's drawings. The archetype persists, transforming but never disappearing. The image of home, from simple hut to grandiose castle, resonates with a deep, primal need for safety and belonging. Consider how the image might stir emotions. It's more than just a building; it is a representation of our deepest-seated needs for safety, family, and continuity. Elandts touches upon our innate sense of protection, a desire that transcends time.