Winter Landscape with Snow-covered Trees c. 1670 - 1680

Jacob van Ruisdael painted this evocative Winter Landscape on wood, capturing the stark beauty of a snow-covered Dutch scene. Notice the bare trees, laden with snow. These are not merely naturalistic details; they evoke the ancient motif of the "arbor sicca," the dry tree, symbolizing death, dormancy, and spiritual barrenness. This symbol dates back to medieval religious imagery, where a barren tree often contrasts with the "arbor vitae," or tree of life. Think of the Nordic Yggdrasil, the world tree, a symbol of cosmic structure, but also one that can wither. Yet, here, the snow hints at the potential for renewal, a promise of rebirth. The cold and the dark skies evoke a sense of melancholy, engaging our subconscious awareness of mortality. This stark landscape is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of symbols to tap into our deepest emotions.