Tree 1847

Peter Becker made this drawing of a tree in Frankfurt in 1847. The mid-19th century was a time of burgeoning industrialization and urbanization in Germany. Here, Becker offers a detailed study of nature. This almost scientific approach to depicting the natural world also reflects a longing for the calm and stability of nature, away from the social upheavals of the era. We might think of the German concept of "Waldeinsamkeit," or forest solitude, which encapsulates a feeling of being alone in the woods and connected to nature. The tree, with its strong trunk and reaching branches, might be seen as a symbol of resilience. Consider the broader political context: 1848 marked the year of revolutions across Europe. As people fought for social and political change, artists like Becker turned to nature, perhaps as a form of solace or silent protest. His detailed and careful rendering invites us to pause, to contemplate, and to find our own sense of peace.