Veluwsch landschap 1844 - 1909

Sientje Mesdag-van Houten rendered this landscape with charcoal. Notice the solitary tree perched atop the hill; a universal symbol deeply rooted in the human psyche. Across cultures, trees symbolize life, growth, and connection to both earth and sky. From the Tree of Life in ancient mythologies to the sacred groves of the Druids, this motif has echoed through time. Think of Yggdrasil, the Norse world tree, or even the family tree that we use to chart our own lineage. The tree connects us to our origins and our future. Mesdag-van Houten's lone tree evokes a sense of resilience and endurance. It is a silent witness, absorbing the emotional weight of its surroundings. It reminds us that symbols are not static; they evolve with us. They resurface in our art, dreams, and collective consciousness, constantly shifting in meaning yet forever tethered to their ancient roots.