Drie bomen aan een oever 1839 - 1885

Augustinus Jacobus Bernardus Wouters created this print, "Three Trees on a Bank," with etching. Observe the trees, stoic symbols of life's resilience. Trees are a visual metaphor deeply rooted in the human psyche. Across cultures, the tree of life motif appears, symbolizing growth, connection, and the cycle of existence. Consider the ancient Norse Yggdrasil, a cosmic tree connecting the nine worlds, or the Bodhi tree, under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. The presence of trees is not merely botanical, but a powerful cultural emblem. Notice how these trees are gnarled and weathered, yet stand tall against the sky. This image has a psychoanalytic resonance, evoking feelings of stability and endurance, mirroring our own subconscious desires for steadfastness in a world of constant flux. The symbol of trees is non-linear, forever resurfacing in art and myth, evolving, and taking on new meanings, yet always anchoring us to a shared, primal understanding of life's enduring nature.