Boy in the snow c. 1905

Paula Modersohn-Becker rendered this scene in oil, inviting us into a stark, snow-laden landscape. Bare trees stretch their limbs across the scene, standing as silent witnesses to the solitary figure of the boy. The skeletal tree is a powerful symbol, often linked to themes of death and rebirth. Recall its ancient association with Yggdrasil, the world tree of Norse mythology, connecting the heavens, earth, and underworld. Similarly, in Christian iconography, the barren tree prefigures the cross. Its starkness is a powerful motif that recurs throughout art history. Yet, here, amidst the winter's grip, the tree is covered in snow and stands next to a house with lighted windows. This symbol whispers of resilience and the cyclical nature of life. These images transcend time, revealing the enduring human capacity to find hope amidst the starkest of landscapes.