Olt Valley 1918

Stefan Popescu created this oil on canvas landscape painting of the Olt Valley in 1918. A serene river is framed by trees, their foliage a mosaic of greens and golds. Consider the symbolism of trees. Since antiquity, they have represented life, growth, and the connection between earth and sky. The tree of life appears in countless cultures, linking the underworld with the heavens. In Popescu’s painting, these trees, mirrored in the water, suggest a world both tangible and reflected, a symbol of duality and harmony. The cool, reflective river evokes subconscious depths, inviting contemplation. Note the evolution of such symbols over time. In ancient Greece, sacred groves were places of prophecy and healing, while in Norse mythology, Yggdrasil connected all realms of existence. Looking at this landscape, we are confronted with a sense of timelessness. It is a visual echo of nature's enduring presence and its constant renewal, resonating deeply with our collective memory.