Træstammer 1847

Dankvart Dreyer sketched "Træstammer" – tree trunks – in 1844. Note how the trees evoke a sense of life's resilience, bearing witness to the passage of time. Across cultures, the tree is an archetype, a symbol of growth, strength, and connection between the earthly and the divine. Consider the ancient Norse Yggdrasil, a cosmic tree connecting the heavens, earth, and underworld. Or the Tree of Life, a motif found in various mythologies, representing immortality and wisdom. The bare branches, reminiscent of winter, contrast with the promise of renewal, echoing the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth. Trees are not merely passive subjects; they are active participants in the drama of existence, their silent presence deeply rooted in our collective memory. Their enduring image remains a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level. The tree continues to resurface, evolving and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.