Studie c. 1886

Willem Witsen created this study drawing, now held in the Rijksmuseum, using subtle pencil strokes. The faint image of what appears to be a tree trunk may evoke Yggdrasil, the tree of life in Norse mythology. Trees in art have long been associated with growth, knowledge, and interconnectedness. The symbol of a tree, with roots reaching deep into the earth and branches reaching towards the heavens, represents the connection between the terrestrial and the divine. Consider the recurring motif of the tree in works ranging from ancient Mesopotamian art to Gustav Klimt’s paintings. The tree is often depicted as a central figure, laden with symbolic weight. This primal image resonates with a deep, subconscious understanding of our place in the cosmos, transcending time and culture. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols to connect us with the past, present, and future.