Groep eikenbomen c. 1880

Carel Nicolaas Storm van 's-Gravesande created this image of oak trees with etching. Here we see a subject steeped in layers of cultural significance: the oak tree, with its towering presence and far-reaching branches, a long-standing symbol of strength and endurance. In ancient cultures, from the Greeks to the Druids, the oak was venerated as sacred, embodying the virtues of resilience, longevity, and wisdom. The motif of the tree finds echoes across time. It's there in ancient myths, such as the Norse Yggdrasil, the world tree connecting heaven and earth. We even see it echoed in more recent works, such as Mondrian's series of trees. The image of the tree can trigger a potent emotional response, tapping into our shared primal connection with nature and its cycles of life, death, and rebirth. This image is not merely a depiction of trees; it's an exploration of our enduring relationship with nature and its enduring symbols.