Landschap 1891 - 1892

Willem Cornelis Rip made this landscape sketch with graphite. In it, the trees evoke a primordial forest, a motif deeply rooted in our collective memory, symbolizing both shelter and the unknown. From ancient myths to Romantic paintings, the forest has represented the untamed aspects of the human psyche. Think of the forests in fairy tales, where characters confront their fears, or the sublime landscapes of Caspar David Friedrich, in which nature overwhelms the individual. The sketchy lines and lack of detail invite viewers to project their own emotions onto the scene, engaging them on a subconscious level. This echoes the Expressionist movement, where artists sought to convey inner feelings through raw, gestural marks. The forest, then, becomes a mirror, reflecting our deepest selves. Just as the forest has been a recurring symbol throughout art history, its significance continues to evolve, embodying new meanings and interpretations across generations.