Boomstronk 1922

"Boomstronk," or "Tree Trunk," was etched by Simon Moulijn in 1922. Moulijn came from a family of artists, and he lived through times of great change, including both World Wars. Here, the stark realism of the tree stump is set against a landscape rendered in a softer style. The rough texture of the trunk, with its broken branches reaching out like grasping hands, contrasts with the smooth, almost dreamlike quality of the background. This may reflect the artist's grappling with themes of loss and resilience. The imagery evokes a sense of nature's endurance despite damage. Moulijn’s choice of such a subject invites us to reflect on cycles of decay and regeneration, prompting introspection about our own relationship with the natural world. It also encourages the viewer to consider their own place in the landscape of life.