Het Huis Ter Does bij Leiderdorp 1724

This is Abraham Rademaker's 'Het Huis Ter Does bij Leiderdorp', made using pen in brown and gray ink. Note the imposing presence of the house itself, surrounded by water. The moat is a powerful symbol; historically, it was a practical defense, but it also became a potent emblem of separation, protection, and inaccessibility. The image is a modern-day echo of medieval keeps surrounded by a moat. Reflect on how the symbol of enclosure has evolved. From ancient fortresses to modern gated communities, the desire for safety and the creation of boundaries remain constant. Water as protection has been a recurrent motif across cultures and centuries. What psychological undercurrents drive this enduring symbol? Perhaps it speaks to a collective memory of vulnerability, and the deep-seated need to create secure, protected spaces for ourselves and our communities. The image transcends mere representation, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, triggering primal emotions linked to safety and exclusion.