Huis tussen bomen 1864 - 1936

Jan van Essen created "Huis tussen bomen" using pen in ink in the late 19th, early 20th century. During this time the Netherlands were undergoing a period of social and economic change, with movements towards industrialization and urbanization impacting traditional rural life. Van Essen’s sketch may be seen as a commentary on the changing Dutch landscape. The drawing invites us to consider themes of identity, home, and belonging. Houses are often perceived as symbols of safety, family, and personal history. How does the artist play with or subvert our expectations? Are the trees surrounding the house protective, or do they encroach upon it? The sketch evokes a sense of nostalgia, and perhaps a longing for a simpler way of life that was increasingly threatened by modernization. It’s a piece that invites reflection on our own connections to place and history, and the emotional weight we attach to the spaces we call home.