Pont-Aven Seen from the Bois d’Amour 1892

Emile Bernard painted 'Pont-Aven Seen from the Bois d’Amour' using oil on canvas, capturing a bird's-eye view of the town. Dominating the foreground is a thick tree trunk, a common motif reminiscent of the "tree of life" across cultures. It’s a symbol rooted in ancient beliefs, representing connection, growth, and resilience. Consider its echo in Gustav Klimt's art, where the tree embodies life's cyclical nature and the interconnectedness of all things. The tree motif in art transcends mere representation; it delves into the collective psyche, invoking a sense of grounding and continuity. The 'Bois d’Amour' or ‘Woods of Love’ through which we view Pont-Aven suggests a screen of the subconscious. This lens prompts reflection on how the past shapes our present, and how nature and our perception of it are intertwined.