Govert van Slingelandt (1623-90), lord of Dubbeldam. With his first wife Christina van Beveren and their two sons 1657

Jan Mijtens painted this family portrait of Govert van Slingelandt, his wife, and their children in the 17th century. A simple tree stands behind the family, with a landscape that reaches towards the horizon, symbolizing growth, stability, and connection to the earth. The motif of the tree as a witness to human events carries a long history. Consider the Tree of Life in ancient mythologies. In the Garden of Eden, it connects divine and earthly realms. Later, in the Renaissance, we see it appear again, as a symbol of knowledge and morality. This enduring symbol evolves yet remains. Here, the family finds itself sheltered under the tree's branches, highlighting family bonds and legacy. There's an undeniable psychological comfort to be found in picturing your lineage as sturdy, branching, and ever-reaching. The symbol of the tree embodies the enduring power of familial memory, branching through time.