Landscape with River and Trees 1645

Simon de Vlieger painted this landscape with river and trees using oil. Here, we find the towering tree, a symbol deeply rooted in cultural memory. The tree motif carries with it the weight of the ages, representing life, growth, and the interconnectedness of all things. Think of Yggdrasil, the World Tree of Norse mythology, connecting the heavens, earth, and underworld, or the Tree of Knowledge in Genesis, marking the dawn of human consciousness. The prominence of trees reminds us that throughout history, across myriad cultures, the tree consistently appears as a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. From ancient pagan rituals to modern environmentalism, the tree is not just an object in the landscape, but a living symbol—a silent witness to the passage of time. The way the sunlight filters through the leaves also evokes a sense of the divine presence in nature. These elements combine to imbue this seemingly simple landscape with a profound emotional depth, echoing through the collective memory of humanity.