Landschap met beek c. 1626 - 1672

This etching of a landscape with a stream was created by Lucas van Uden sometime in the 17th century. Dominating the scene are trees and a small stream, which evoke a sense of tranquil nature. The tree—a symbol of life, growth, and connection between the earth and the heavens—appears across cultures, from the Norse Yggdrasil to the Tree of Knowledge in Genesis. The image of the tree functions almost like a glyph that transcends individual stories, tapping into the deep, collective unconscious, and evoking universal feelings of connection to nature. Similarly, the presence of water, in the form of a stream, has long symbolized purity, renewal, and the flow of time. Its continuous movement suggests the ceaseless rhythm of life. We might consider these elements as archetypes recurring in the human psyche. The symbols of nature connect us to a collective human experience. These age-old motifs remind us of the cyclical nature of symbols, constantly reappearing and evolving, carrying with them echoes of our shared past.