Sneeuwgezicht in een heuvellandschap 1821 - 1891

Guillaume Anne van der Brugghen painted this snow scene in a hilly landscape with oil on paper. The trees, stark and leafless, are dominant visual symbols that evoke the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. In various cultures, trees have symbolized the connection between the earth and the heavens. The bare branches could represent winter’s dormancy, reminiscent of the underworld or a period of spiritual introspection. This imagery links to ancient tree worship and mythical trees such as Yggdrasil. The leafless state may also resonate on a psychoanalytic level, triggering a collective memory of loss and the inevitability of change. The winter landscape engages viewers subconsciously, stirring feelings of solitude and contemplation. The recurring motif of winter scenes throughout art history demonstrates a non-linear progression, with artists continually returning to these symbols, imbuing them with personal and cultural significance, evolving in meaning.