Huis met bomen en figuur 1894 - 1913

Laurent Verwey van Udenhout created this etching, "House with trees and figure," that is now in the Rijksmuseum collection. The artwork is dominated by the image of a house, partially obscured by trees and bushes. Standing in the foreground is a lone figure clad in dark clothing. This secluded dwelling resonates with motifs found in folklore and fairy tales across cultures—the hidden cottage, the sanctuary, the place of transformation. In many narratives, the house represents the self, or the inner psyche. The darkened figure in the front resembles a cloaked figure, a symbol that has been passed down throughout history. The cloaked figure has been known as a symbol of mourning, or a messenger from another world. This scene evokes feelings of introspection and mystery, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. It reminds us that the past is not just behind us but within us, constantly resurfacing in new forms.