Knotwilgen 1848 - 1888

Anton Mauve created this drawing, Knotwilgen, using graphite on paper. The scene is dominated by a group of pollard willows, trees whose branches have been pruned back to promote dense growth. The pollard willow is more than just a tree, it is a symbol of resilience and renewal. The practice of pollarding itself is an act of human intervention, shaping nature to serve our needs. Yet, the trees endure, their forms altered but their spirit unbroken. Consider the ancient tree of life motif, present in cultures across the globe; from the Norse Yggdrasil to the biblical Tree of Knowledge. The pollard willow, with its cyclical pruning and regrowth, echoes this archetypal image. The stark, almost skeletal appearance of these trees evokes a sense of melancholy. Yet, there is also a quiet strength, a testament to the enduring power of nature. As we gaze upon these Knotwilgen, we are reminded of the cyclical nature of life.