Landschap in de Kempen c. 1850 - 1883

Jerôme Tuyttens created this landscape in the Kempen using etching techniques. At first glance, it is a simple landscape with a dominating tree, but it carries so much more. Throughout history, the image of a tree has served as a powerful symbol across cultures. In ancient mythologies, trees were believed to connect the earthly and divine realms. The tree of life, for instance, appears in countless forms, representing wisdom, growth, and the interconnectedness of all things. Consider the iconic Yggdrasil from Norse mythology, its roots stretching into the depths of the underworld, its branches reaching towards the heavens. Or the Bodhi tree, under which Buddha attained enlightenment. Likewise, in this work, the tree is set amidst the terrain, a solitary figure, inviting contemplation. The enduring presence of tree imagery speaks to our collective memory, a recurring motif that taps into subconscious notions of nature. The tree stands firm, a testament to resilience and continuity. It also embodies a cycle of constant rebirth, engaging us on a deep, intuitive level, and reminding us of the cyclical, non-linear flow of symbols across cultures.