Boerderijen in Echten 1876 - 1910

Alphonse Stengelin created this etching of Dutch farms in Echten at an unknown date, using delicate lines to depict a serene landscape. Notice how the trees stand as silent sentinels, their bare branches reaching skyward. The motif of the tree appears throughout art history, from ancient Egyptian tomb paintings to Klimt's vibrant canvases. The tree, an axis mundi connecting the earthly and spiritual realms, symbolizes growth, strength, and the cyclical nature of life. Consider the presence of these trees as a grounding force, their roots mirroring our own connection to the earth and to the past. It evokes a deep, perhaps subconscious, sense of belonging and continuity. Such imagery taps into a collective memory, reminding us of the enduring power of nature and the simple rhythms of rural life. The image persists as a signifier of the enduring human connection to nature, constantly evolving and resurfacing across time and cultures.