Maine, Girl with Bicycle II 1976

Louisa Matthiasdottir painted this idyllic scene with broad strokes. The dominant symbol here is the bicycle, a motif that carries the weight of cultural and personal freedom, particularly for women in the 20th century. Its presence evokes a sense of liberation and self-reliance; the painting captures a moment of youthful independence amid a backdrop of natural serenity. Consider, too, the trees framing the composition. They are reminiscent of the symbolic pillars found in classical architecture, which evolved from sacred groves to signify structural and spiritual support. In Matthiasdottir's painting, the trees may signify a connection to nature, but also, perhaps, to personal growth. They stand tall, as silent witnesses of a young girl’s journey towards self-discovery. Observe how the scene evokes a powerful emotional connection, almost a longing for simpler times, engaging our collective memory of youth and freedom. Such is the cyclical nature of symbols—resurfacing through time, carrying echoes of past experiences, and shaping our understanding of the present.