Boom 1880

This quick charcoal sketch by Louis Apol resides here at the Rijksmuseum. Its stark, somber lines depict a fallen tree trunk, yet it evokes so much more than mere arboreal destruction. The image of a fallen tree carries potent symbolism. In classical mythology, trees were sacred, embodying life, growth, and connection to the divine. But here, the tree lies prone, devoid of leaves, a stark reminder of mortality. Throughout history, the fallen tree motif recurs, each time imbued with new meanings while retaining echoes of the old. Think of the Norse myth of Yggdrasil, the world tree, whose fate is intertwined with the cosmos’ destiny. Observe the raw emotion conveyed by Apol's simple lines. There is melancholy and a profound sense of loss. The image resonates with our own subconscious understanding of time's relentless march. The fallen tree is not merely an end, but part of nature’s cyclical, regenerative process. And so, the symbol persists, transformed, renewed, and eternally charged with the weight of our collective memory.