Berglandschap met twee rustende boeren bij een beek 1634 - 1654

Jacob Lutma etched this landscape scene around 1650, showing us a glimpse of rural life. The dominant symbol here is the tree, standing tall amidst the landscape, a universal emblem of life, growth, and connection between earth and sky. The tree’s presence invokes a sense of grounding and stability. Notice how the tree echoes motifs found in ancient cultures. In many traditions, the ‘world tree’ connects the realms of existence, its roots deep in the underworld, its branches reaching to the heavens. Similarly, we can find this symbol echoed in medieval tapestries and Renaissance paintings. The image presents a juxtaposition of rest and labor. The resting farmers contrast with the dynamic landscape, inviting us to contemplate the cyclical nature of life. This contrast, embedded in our collective memory, stirs a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, more connected existence. The enduring power of nature invites reflection, and the enduring themes of rest, labor, and connection resonate across time.