Landschap met bomen, huizen en een windmolen 1636 - 1687

Jacob Esselens created this landscape with trees, houses, and a windmill using pen in the 17th century. The symbols of rural life tell us much about a longing for simplicity. Notice the windmill in the distance. This structure is not merely a practical tool for grinding grain; it's a symbol deeply rooted in Dutch identity. It represents the triumph over nature, an emblem of progress, and prosperity, its form echoing the cross, blending secular and spiritual aspirations. The prominence of trees can be traced back to ancient cults, and their symbolic importance across cultures to this day. The tree represents life, growth, and connection, a visual echo of the human desire for rootedness and continuity, as the tree is a motif in art, recurring in different forms and contexts. It is a reminder that symbols evolve, resurface, and take on new meanings.