Gezicht op een pad c. 1901 - 1927

This pastel drawing captures a path through a copse of trees by Johan Antonie de Jonge. The path is the main protagonist in this drawing, a symbol that is as old as humanity itself. Throughout history, paths have been a constant presence in art and myth, representing not just physical journeys but also the journey of life. Think of Ariadne's thread, guiding Theseus through the labyrinth, or the Way of the Cross. The path symbolizes choices, destiny, and the unknown future. The depiction of paths has shifted across epochs, evolving from the structured roads of Roman cartography to the winding, untamed trails of Romantic landscapes, each reflecting their era’s anxieties and aspirations. Even here, the gentle path engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of hope, reflection, and an urge to explore what lies ahead. These symbols are never truly new; they simply return, reshaped by time and culture.