Die Landschaft (Landscape) 61-72 1942 - 1946

This sheet of photographic stills was assembled by Robert Frank between 1961 and 1972. The artist captures various scenes from mountainous landscapes to simple trees. Consider the tree. It is a potent symbol, deeply rooted in human consciousness, representing life, growth, and interconnectedness. From the Tree of Knowledge in Eden to the World Tree Yggdrasil in Norse mythology, trees have long been central to our spiritual and cultural narratives. In these photographs, the tree is pictured in various ways. In some, the tree dominates the frame, while in others, the tree is pictured at a distance. Frank echoes the symbol of the tree in many other artworks, where it becomes a recurring motif—a silent witness to human drama, a symbol of resilience, and a reminder of nature's enduring power. In this array of stills, we see not just landscapes, but a contemplation on the cycle of life.