Landschap met rustende figuren onder bomen bij een water 1813 - 1866

Jacobus Theodorus Abels created this landscape scene with resting figures under trees by a water in the 19th century. Dominating the scene are the trees, especially the large deciduous one at the center, which invite contemplation and rest. Trees, as symbols, have been revered across cultures, embodying life, growth, and connection to the earth, often seen as a bridge between the earthly and the divine. One cannot help but recall the "Tree of Life," a recurring motif from ancient mythologies, symbolizing immortality and wisdom, which echoes in the world trees of Norse legends or the sacred groves of classical antiquity. The act of resting under trees harkens back to the pastoral scenes of classical art, a symbol for Arcadia: an escape from the toils of civilization. The cyclical return to nature embodies a yearning for a simpler existence, free from the anxieties of modern life. This yearning, deeply rooted in our collective subconscious, manifests in various forms throughout art history, showcasing the enduring human need for solace in nature.