Keien voor een rotswand 1874 - 1878

Willem Cornelis Rip made this drawing of rocks and trees, a view in Tyrol, using graphite. Note the prominence of the rocks, their angular forms commanding our attention. Consider the enduring symbolism of rocks throughout history. In ancient cultures, rocks were venerated as sacred objects, embodying strength, permanence, and the primal forces of nature. The Greek omphalos, for instance, was a sacred stone believed to be the navel of the world, a center of spiritual power. Similarly, megalithic structures like Stonehenge used large stones to align with celestial events, linking earthly and cosmic realms. These motifs carry a psychological weight, tapping into our collective memory and subconscious associations with the earth. The rough, solid surfaces may evoke a sense of stability, endurance, and the passage of time. Such symbols are not static; they transform over time and space, yet their elemental power remains, engaging viewers on a deep, almost instinctual level.