Boerderijen c. 1780 - 1800

Here we see a drawing of farmhouses made by Barend Hendrik Thier. Note the recurring motif of the hearth, visible through the doorways and suggested by the chimneys. The hearth, as a symbol, echoes through centuries. From ancient Roman hearths tended by the Vestal Virgins, symbolizing the security and continuity of the state, to the central role it plays in folklore and fairy tales, representing warmth, nourishment, and domesticity. Consider its parallel in religious iconography, where the altar signifies a site of sacrifice and spiritual sustenance. The farmhouse hearth is thus not merely a source of heat, but a deeply resonant image, laden with cultural memory. It evokes feelings of rootedness, continuity, and the cyclical nature of life. Thier's drawing serves as a powerful reminder that even the simplest structures can be imbued with profound meaning, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, tapping into our collective understanding of home, family, and the enduring human spirit.