Landschap met knotwilgen 1855

This landscape with pollard willows was etched by Joseph Hartogensis, a Jewish Dutch artist, in the mid-19th century. During this time, the Netherlands was undergoing significant changes, including industrialization and urbanization. Hartogensis's identity as a Jewish artist in this evolving society inevitably shaped his artistic perspective. In this print, Hartogensis captures a seemingly tranquil rural scene. Yet, in the background, the smoke from ships alludes to burgeoning industry. The gnarled, old trees in the foreground command our attention. These 'Knotwilgen' - pollard willows - have been managed and cut, reflecting human intervention in nature, which was reshaping the Dutch landscape. Hartogensis died relatively young, at 43. Perhaps these trees resonated with him as symbols of resilience and adaptation. The image invites us to consider our relationship with the natural world and the impact of progress on both the landscape and our collective identity.