Egetræ 1788 - 1860

Søren Henrik Petersen etched this image of an oak tree, or "Egetræ" as it's known in Danish, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. The oak, a symbol of strength and endurance, has been revered across cultures, from the ancient Greeks who associated it with Zeus, to the Norse, who linked it to Thor. In Petersen’s time, the oak was a symbol of national identity and steadfastness. This very tree, standing alone, embodies a proud resilience. Consider the recurring motif of the tree throughout art history – Yggdrasil in Norse mythology, the Tree of Knowledge in religious contexts, or even the trees of the Renaissance landscapes. They all tap into a primal human fascination with nature's power. This oak, with its gnarled branches and deep roots, invites us to reflect on our own connection to the earth, to the passage of time, and to the enduring spirit that binds us to the natural world. Its image resonates within us, echoing through the halls of memory.