Boerenschuren c. 1780 - 1800

In this undated drawing, Barend Hendrik Thier sketched two rural barns, likely studies of local architecture. The thatched roof is the prominent feature, a humble covering offering protection and shelter. Thatched roofs evoke an almost primal connection to agrarian life. We see similar roofing techniques across Europe in various eras—from the simple dwellings in Pieter Bruegel's peasant scenes, each representing a deep link to the land and its rhythms. Think about how the form of the roof, a basic human need, becomes a signifier of belonging and identity, much like the protective cloak in religious iconography. The thatched roof reappears throughout history, each time bearing witness to the enduring cycle of human life and nature. The image resonates on a deeply subconscious level—a reminder of the constant dialogue between mankind and his environment.