Landschap met twee bomen in de wind c. 1903 - 1920

Henk Schilling rendered this landscape with two wind-swept trees in pencil. The starkness of the barren trees against the turbulent sky evokes a sense of enduring resilience in the face of overwhelming natural forces. The motif of wind-beaten trees reappears across cultures, from ancient Greek depictions of Boreas, the north wind, to later Romantic paintings. In each, the wind represents a powerful, often destructive force, while the tree symbolizes strength and resistance. Consider how the image's emotional impact resonates with our own experiences. The trees, though bent, stand firm, mirroring our capacity to withstand life's tempests. Such archetypal symbols tap into our collective memory, evoking deep-seated emotions and subconscious connections to the cyclical nature of life, death, and renewal. The image reminds us that even in the face of adversity, life persists, adapting and enduring through time.