Rotsblokken naast een waterval Possibly 1858 - 1859

This quick sketch by Johannes Tavenraat, now held at the Rijksmuseum, captures the powerful image of rocks beside a waterfall. The dominant element here is the rushing water, a symbol of constant change, the relentless passage of time, and the immense power of nature. Consider the motif of cascading water as it echoes through art history, from ancient Roman fountains to the dramatic landscapes of the Romantic period. Water, in its fluid state, has often been used to convey purity, renewal, and even the subconscious depths of the human mind. Think of its appearance in baptismal rites, where immersion symbolizes a cleansing and rebirth. The emotional impact of such natural scenes should not be underestimated. They resonate deeply within us, stirring primal feelings tied to our own origins and the ever-present forces of nature. The cyclical nature of water – evaporation, condensation, precipitation – mirrors our own life cycles, constantly resurfacing in our collective memory and artistic expression.