Felsige Uferböschung mit Bäumen am hoch stehenden Gewässer 

Franz Kobell rendered this rocky riverbank with trees in pen and brown ink around the turn of the 18th century. Notice the trees on either side of the drawing. These vertical forms have long been associated with concepts of growth, life, and connection between the earthly and spiritual realms. Similar arboreal motifs appear across cultures from ancient Egypt's Tree of Life to the Norse Yggdrasil. Trees connect heaven and earth, and can be found in countless artistic and symbolic depictions. Consider the tree as a repository of collective memory: its roots delve into the past, while its branches reach towards the future, acting as a potent symbol of the cyclical nature of existence. The reflections on the water add another layer of meaning, suggesting a world beyond our own. The tree's symbolism has persisted, reminding us of nature's enduring presence in our collective consciousness.