Rotswoningen aan de Loire 1620 - 1652

Jan Asselijn created this drawing of cave dwellings along the Loire River using pen in gray ink and gray wash. The image presents us with homes carved directly into the soft rock of the cliffs. The most striking visual element is the cave itself. Caves have long been associated with refuge, mystery, and the womb-like safety of the earth. These dwellings offer protection from the elements but also evoke a more primal connection to the land. We can see echoes of this motif in ancient myths of hermits and recluses seeking enlightenment in caves. Consider the psychological implications of choosing to live within the earth itself. It suggests a deep sense of belonging and a rejection of the more transient structures built above ground. This image embodies a powerful emotional resonance, touching on our innate longing for security and connection to nature. The cyclical nature of shelter and earth speaks of the perpetual human quest for home.