Bergachtig landschap met herder en vee op pad 1761 - 1784

Johannes Janson’s etching presents a Bergachtig landschap met herder en vee op pad, featuring a shepherd with his animals amidst a mountainous landscape. Trees dominate the scene, symbols deeply rooted in our collective psyche. The tree, a classical motif, recurs through art history from ancient mythology to romantic paintings. The tree motif has evolved over time, from symbolizing the connection between earth and sky to representing life, growth, and knowledge. Think of the tree in the Garden of Eden or the Tree of Life in Norse mythology. Here, the trees evoke a sense of serenity but also, perhaps, a subtle hint of melancholy. Like the shepherd leading his flock, the trees guide our gaze, inviting us to contemplate the cyclical nature of life and the timeless connection between humanity and the natural world.