Hoge bomen aan het water 1860 - 1910

Alfred Elsen created this work, "High Trees by the Water," using etching. The central motif, a dense grove of trees reflected in the calm water, echoes themes found throughout art history. Consider the tree: a universal symbol of life, growth, and interconnectedness. In ancient mythologies, trees are often seen as sacred, acting as bridges between the earthly and divine realms. Here, the trees stand tall and upright, mirroring one another in the water below, evoking a sense of harmony and balance. The reflection itself carries a profound weight, symbolizing introspection and the subconscious. It reminds us of Narcissus, who was so entranced by his reflection that it led to his demise. The tranquil surface hides a sense of underlying tension, an awareness of mortality and the transient nature of beauty. Elsen engages the viewer on a primal level, tapping into our collective memory and prompting us to contemplate our place within the grand tapestry of existence. This scene, like so many others throughout history, continues to resurface.