Landscape c. 1860

This landscape was painted by Théodore Rousseau with oil on canvas. At first glance, we see trees as a dominant motif in the landscape. Trees, throughout time, have been laden with symbolism, representing life, growth, and connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. From ancient mythologies, where sacred groves were places of worship, to the Tree of Knowledge in religious texts, trees have been central to human understanding of existence. Consider, for example, the oak, with its strong roots and expansive branches, often symbolizing strength and endurance. Yet, here, the trees also suggest something more brooding, a connection to the darker, untamed aspects of nature. These dark aspects resonate within us, echoing the complex, often contradictory, emotions we project onto the natural world. Rousseau’s landscape evokes a powerful sense of immersion. The trees remind us of the enduring cycles of nature, forever evolving and adapting, mirroring our own continuous journey through life.