France. View from the window of the cottages 1935

Here is the audio guide script: This landscape was painted by Ivan Bilibin, capturing a view from a cottage window in France. The enduring symbol here is the tree; it stands as a silent witness, a motif deeply embedded in the human psyche, and a recurring theme in art. Consider the tree of life, for example, a symbol found across cultures. In ancient Egypt, it represented immortality. Notice how Bilibin has rendered these trees, their forms almost anthropomorphic, evoking a sense of silent observation. This recalls the ancient myths of tree spirits and dryads, the guardians of the forest. This emotional connection to nature resonates deep within us, tapping into primal memories of forests as both a place of refuge and a source of fear. The image invites contemplation. It serves as a mirror reflecting our complex relationship with the natural world, a relationship that continues to evolve through time.