Kasteel De Parck te Elst 1731

This drawing captures Kasteel De Parck te Elst with ink on paper by Abraham de Haen the Younger. The castle, with its stepped gables and tower, stands as a powerful symbol of authority and societal order. The verticality of the structure, reaching towards the sky, echoes the ancient human impulse to connect with the divine, a theme found in the ziggurats of Mesopotamia and the soaring cathedrals of Europe. The castle as a fortified space also recalls the psychological need for safety and protection, a primal instinct reflected in the walls and enclosures throughout art history. The motif of enclosure has a history dating back to the Paleolithic era, from cave paintings to modern art. The need for safety and territorial control shapes the human psyche, reappearing in the collective consciousness across time. It is this recurring motif that continues to engage the subconscious, reminding us of our innate desires and historical roots.