Twee mannen en hond bij rivier 1645 - 1695

Nicolas Perelle etched this landscape, "Two Men and a Dog by a River," during the height of the Baroque era. The forest with all its symbols are prevalent here; trees are a common motif, representing life and growth, yet also embody a deeper connection to nature and the divine, often seen as a sacred space in both pagan and Christian traditions. Consider the ancient Greek myths, where sacred groves were the domain of nymphs and gods. Note how that symbolism carried into the Renaissance, appearing in countless paintings as a backdrop to mythological and biblical scenes. It speaks to our collective subconscious, evoking a sense of mystery and the sublime. These motifs resonate with the German concept of "Sehnsucht" or longing. How the lush forest and tranquil river engage our emotions, stirring a deep-seated yearning for an idealized, perhaps irretrievable, past. The forest has undergone various transformations in art history, yet it consistently emerges as a powerful symbol, reflecting our ever-evolving relationship with the natural world and our own inner landscapes.