Mauritshuis te Den Haag 1816 - 1833

This watercolor painting depicts the Mauritshuis in The Hague, rendered by Roelof van der Meulen. Note the building’s architectural symmetry, a dominant symbol of harmony and order. This striving for perfect balance echoes through history, from ancient temples to Renaissance palaces. But consider how symmetry's meaning shifts. In antiquity, it signified divine order, a reflection of the cosmos. Here, in the Mauritshuis, it speaks more of human aspiration for rational beauty and societal stability. Think, for instance, of the Baroque palaces where symmetry became a tool to project power. This play of symmetry and balance continues to affect our subconscious, suggesting stability, control, and perhaps, even a yearning for an idealized world. The eye is drawn to it, seeking a point of rest, a sense of equilibrium. The linear progression of time is challenged by the cyclical reappearance and evolution of symbols. The emotional power of such images lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in their ability to connect us to the memories and archetypes embedded deep within our collective consciousness.