Landskab med træer ved et vand 1860

This landscape with trees by a lake was etched by Hans Anton Thiele. Dominating the scene is a body of water, a recurring motif throughout art history, often symbolizing the subconscious and the depths of the human soul. The placement of a building near the water's edge also carries symbolic weight. Historically, buildings, especially those with a distinct architectural style, represent civilization and human presence in nature. It brings to mind, for instance, Caspar David Friedrich’s landscapes, where solitary figures or structures confront the immensity of nature, evoking a sense of Romantic longing and introspection. The water's reflective surface suggests a mirroring of reality and the self. Water has a powerful force, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level, inviting contemplation of our place within the broader scope of existence. This symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.