Vrouw onder een boom 1887 - 1888

This etching, “Vrouw onder een boom” or “Woman Under a Tree”, was created by Matthijs Maris, a Dutch artist known for his atmospheric and dreamlike works. Maris lived through a period of immense social change, including the rise of industrialization and urbanization, which led to feelings of alienation and a longing for simpler times. Here we see these anxieties manifested in the figure of a woman, cloaked and bowed beneath a looming tree, almost consumed by the landscape. The woman's posture and clothing could suggest vulnerability and repression, reflecting societal constraints placed on women in the 19th century. Maris often depicted women as enigmatic figures, imbuing them with a sense of mystery and melancholy. This piece encourages us to reflect on the human condition, our relationship with nature, and the burdens we carry. Consider how the artist uses shadow and form to convey a sense of emotional weight and introspection.