Holle boom bij Seelisberg in Zwitserland Possibly 1896

Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp made this etching, “Holle boom bij Seelisberg in Zwitserland,” which translates to Hollow Tree near Seelisberg in Switzerland. Nieuwenkamp lived through both World Wars, witnessing profound shifts in European society and identity. The image captures a monumental, ancient tree, its hollow interior beckoning the viewer. There is a sense of refuge within the tree’s aged form. Nieuwenkamp was deeply invested in the cultural landscape. His work often depicted scenes of nature imbued with a sense of historical and spiritual significance. Here, the tree is not merely a natural object; it is a living monument, a silent witness to the passage of time and the stories of the land. Nieuwenkamp seems drawn to themes of endurance, and the hidden or secret life contained within. In this light, how does the tree, with its gnarled exterior and sheltered core, reflect on identity, history, and the search for continuity?