Gezicht op het kasteel van Montfoort 1725

This small etching of Montfoort Castle, created by Abraham Rademaker, captures more than just a building; it encapsulates the enduring human need for security. Dominating the composition is the castle itself, a symbol of fortification and power. Surrounded by water, it evokes the ancient motif of the 'axis mundi', where the structure rises as a connection between the earthly and the divine. The water serves as a protective barrier, reminiscent of the moat encircling medieval fortresses. Consider how similar fortresses appear across cultures, from the walled cities of ancient Mesopotamia to the castles of feudal Japan. Each structure reflects a society's anxieties and aspirations. The imposing castle, repeated throughout history, becomes a stage for expressing power, playing out the eternal human drama between safety and the external world. Observe how the reflection of the castle shimmers on the water, as if mirroring not just its image but also its historical weight. We are reminded that such structures touch something primal within us, a collective memory of when our survival depended on such strongholds.