Waverly Oaks 1878

Winslow Homer created this drawing with graphite and Chinese white on paper. Here we observe a stand of mature oak trees; their sprawling branches reaching out like arms. The oak has long been a symbol of strength and endurance, rooted deep in the earth yet towering towards the heavens. This motif stretches back to ancient Greece, where the oak was sacred to Zeus, king of the gods. Across cultures, we see the oak associated with wisdom, longevity, and steadfastness. But here, Homer gives us more than just a symbol of power. He invites us to feel the weight of time, to sense the slow, patient growth of these living beings. Consider the way that the tree’s branches are a complex pattern. It evokes an emotional connection; the tree stands as a testament to resilience and continuity. Like the enduring power of the oak, symbols persist, evolving and adapting as they travel through time.