Gezicht op een rivier before 1898

Here is a river landscape photographed by M. Declercq. Note the prominence of the reflective water. Since ancient times, water has been a symbol of purification and transformation, its reflective surface acting as a mirror to the soul. This motif has appeared across cultures, from ancient Greek myths of Narcissus to baptismal rites in Christianity. Now, consider how the slender, bare trees evoke a sense of melancholy, reaching towards the sky like supplicants. The motif of bare trees appears in countless works, often signifying loss, introspection, or the starkness of winter. Think of Caspar David Friedrich's landscapes, where solitary trees stand as witnesses to human insignificance in the face of nature. The emotional resonance of this image lies in its ability to tap into our collective memory, stirring subconscious feelings of nostalgia and reflection. These symbols, rooted in our cultural and psychological history, engage us on a primal level. The interplay of light and shadow, the stillness of the water, and the reaching trees create an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, a timeless scene that echoes through the ages.