Boomstudie 1865 - 1923

Editor: This is "Boomstudie," a pencil drawing by Georg Sturm, sometime between 1865 and 1923. It's just a single tree, meticulously rendered. The detail is incredible. What stands out to me is how…quiet it feels. What do you see in it? Curator: It's compelling, isn’t it? The lone tree – for centuries, the tree has been a profound symbol. Think of the Tree of Life, or the family tree... A lone tree in art can evoke resilience, endurance, and a deep connection to the earth. What kind of feelings does it stir in you? Editor: I suppose it does have a sense of standing the test of time... maybe a quiet strength? Curator: Exactly! And look at the upward reach of its branches, the individual needles almost visible. Sturm’s choice to focus on the particular, not the general, asks us to see value in specificity. The image could trigger something like personal history, the viewer's experience reflected by this particular tree, alone on the page. Editor: So, it’s not just about a tree; it is about me? Curator: Partly! Visual symbols tap into collective memory and also personal experience. This image reminds us to find the symbolic within our daily lives and lived history. It's quiet, but intensely resonant. What is your final thought on the piece? Editor: I guess it's made me think more about the hidden meanings in simple things. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! I will definitely look at the trees in the park differently now!