Clearing 1873

Paul Gauguin painted "Clearing", which is now at the Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans, using oil on canvas. The painting features trees, which are the main component of landscapes. They invoke a sense of nature, and a connection to the earth. The positioning of the trees in the painting can be compared to ancient mythology, in which the forests were seen as sacred sites, embodying the forces of nature and serving as gateways to the spiritual world. Trees have long been viewed as symbols of life, growth, and connection, often appearing in art across cultures and eras. From the Tree of Life in ancient Near Eastern art to the sacred groves of classical antiquity, the tree motif has carried deep symbolic weight. The presence of trees and their symbolism in art, reflect a primal, subconscious yearning for harmony with the natural world. This desire to represent our connection to nature continues to evolve through time and cultures.