Boomstam voor een weide met struiken c. 1863 - 1864

This simple pencil drawing by Maria Vos depicts a tree trunk in a meadow landscape, evoking a sense of peace and solitude. The tree, as a symbol, has always been an enduring motif across cultures. Rooted in earth yet reaching for the heavens, it embodies the connection between the earthly and the divine. We can find its presence across time, from ancient pagan rituals where sacred groves were worshiped, to the Tree of Life in countless mythologies, symbolizing wisdom, growth, and immortality. Consider how the symbol of the tree recurs in modern psychoanalysis, representing the self, with its roots signifying our unconscious and branches our aspirations. The image taps into our collective memory, resonating with deep-seated notions of nature and self. It whispers of cycles, of life, death, and rebirth, engaging us on a profound level. This drawing is an echo of an archetypal image that continues to evolve within the human psyche.