Kerstbomenbos 1898

Willem Wenckebach rendered this evocative 'Kerstbomenbos' or 'Christmas Tree Forest' with a pencil on paper. These evergreen firs stand as potent symbols of resilience and renewal, deeply entwined with winter solstice celebrations long before their adoption as a Christian emblem. Echoes of the tree's symbolism resonate across cultures: from the ancient Egyptians adorning their homes with green palm branches during the winter solstice, to the Romans using evergreen wreaths to signify eternal life. Consider too, the pinecone, a recurring motif in ancient art and mythology, often associated with fertility and enlightenment. Its presence, in various forms, spans continents and eras—from Babylonian carvings to Greek Bacchic staffs—a testament to its enduring appeal. The forest, a space of mystery, transformation, and the subconscious, holds a powerful grip on our collective psyche. The Christmas tree in this drawing reminds us of the cyclical nature of time, and the potent images that persist in our cultural memory.