Bomen aan een waterplas 1887

This etching, called "Trees by a pool," was created by the Belgian artist Frans de Vadder in 1932. It depicts a landscape with a still body of water in the foreground, surrounded by trees. During the early 20th century, artists like de Vadder often navigated between tradition and modernity, a tension we can see reflected in this work. Landscape art was traditionally a domain linked to national identity and the celebration of rural life. However, de Vadder creates a scene that feels both familiar and subtly melancholic. The monochromatic palette and the bare trees evoke a sense of quiet solitude, a turn away from more celebratory depictions of nature. There is an emotional depth in the stillness of the water, reflecting not just the trees but perhaps also a deeper introspection. As you stand here, consider how de Vadder’s etching invites you to reflect on your own relationship with the natural world. How might it mirror your own feelings of serenity, or perhaps, a sense of longing?