Bomen langs een rivier 1834 - 1906

Maria Vos made this drawing of trees along a river. Immediately, one is drawn to the trees—the dominant symbol here. Trees, in the collective psyche, are often associated with life, growth, and stability, deeply rooted in the earth while reaching towards the heavens. We see this motif echoed across cultures. In ancient Greece, sacred groves were dedicated to gods, while in Norse mythology, Yggdrasil connects all realms. Even in modern literature and film, the image of the tree persists as a symbol of resilience and wisdom. Yet, here, Vos' trees strike a melancholic note. They are sketched with stark lines, their forms almost skeletal. This rawness perhaps speaks to a deeper, subconscious fear of mortality and the transient nature of life. The image engages us on an emotional level, resonating with primal fears and hopes. This motif of trees, like many others, has resurfaced and evolved, gaining new meanings in different historical contexts, continually engaging us.