Landschap met bomen c. 1811

This landscape with trees was sketched by Andreas Schelfhout, it is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The solitary tree, rendered with delicate strokes, dominates the scene, a symbol resonating across cultures. Rooted firmly yet reaching skyward, it embodies strength, growth, and the connection between the earthly and the divine, echoing ancient myths from the Norse Yggdrasil to the Tree of Knowledge. Consider how the tree appears in countless depictions, from medieval tapestries to Renaissance paintings, always carrying the weight of cultural memory. Its presence evokes an immediate, visceral response, tapping into our collective subconscious. Like the ancient Greek chorus or the figures in a dream, the tree, in art, serves as a focal point for our emotions, drawing us into a world of contemplation and reflection. The symbol of the tree evolves, reappears, and takes on new meanings. Its silent presence still resonates with us today.