Wilg in een winterlandschap 1940

Lodewijk Schelfhout created this etching of a winter landscape featuring a willow tree, capturing a stark scene in monochrome. The willow, or 'wilg,' is a prominent symbol of mourning and flexibility, bending but not breaking in the face of adversity. The symbolism of the willow has roots stretching back to ancient mythologies, where it was often associated with lunar deities and feminine energy. Think of the weeping willow, its branches cascading like tears—an emblem of sorrow. Yet, in other traditions, the willow signifies resilience and new life, as its cuttings easily take root. Consider how the stark branches mirror similar motifs found in depictions of the 'Tree of Life,' connecting the earthly and spiritual realms. This image evokes a deep, subconscious response. The bare tree against a winter sky triggers reflections on mortality and the cyclical nature of life. How this motif, charged with layered meanings, has appeared throughout art history is an attestation to its enduring resonance.