Stream with Overhanging Trees 1845

This etching, "Stream with Overhanging Trees," was created by Alexandre Calame in 1863. The image shows a secluded stream, embraced by trees arching protectively overhead. The natural landscape suggests a space untouched by modernity, a return to simpler times. Notice how the overhanging trees create a kind of natural archway. This motif, known as the ‘veil,’ appears throughout art history, in depictions of the Virgin Mary, or the entry into sacred spaces. In ancient cultures, the veil symbolizes the threshold between known and unknown, concealing mysteries and guarding secrets. Here, the veil of trees seems to beckon us into the depths of the forest, a place of introspection and discovery, where we might confront our innermost thoughts. The human figure in the background seems diminished, as the overwhelming power of nature has the capacity to evoke feelings of awe but also, insignificance. This visual language reminds us of the cyclical nature of human experience, and how deeply connected we are to the natural world.