Landschap c. 1884 - 1887

Willem Witsen created this landscape with pencil on paper. Note how the vertical lines of the trees rise starkly from the horizon, evoking a sense of solemnity and a connection to the divine. The tree, in its many forms, has been a recurring symbol across cultures and epochs. From the Tree of Life in ancient mythologies, symbolizing immortality and knowledge, to the Christian cross, initially a wooden structure, which transformed into a potent symbol of sacrifice and redemption. Trees serve as mediators between heaven and earth, their roots anchoring them to the underworld, while their branches reach for the skies. Consider the somber, almost melancholic, emotion evoked by these dark, slender trees. It resonates with similar depictions throughout art history, suggesting a shared, perhaps subconscious, understanding of nature's somber power. This landscape serves as a powerful reminder of how symbols evolve yet retain their emotional core across time.