Man rustend onder een boom 1722 - 1784

This etching, made by Simon Fokke, presents a scene of rest under the shade of a tree. Note the figure reclining peacefully, a staff and satchel cast aside, symbols of his journey. This posture of repose carries echoes of classical antiquity where figures of river gods or personifications of virtues were depicted in similar reclining poses. The act of resting under a tree also evokes deeper cultural memories. In numerous traditions, the tree is a symbol of life, knowledge, and connection between the earthly and divine realms. Consider the image of the Buddha attaining enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, a powerful motif of spiritual awakening and inner peace. Our figure's moment of respite taps into a collective longing for tranquility and harmony, a sentiment that resonates across cultures and throughout history. The image invites us to consider the cyclical nature of rest and activity, reminding us of the essential balance in human existence.