Wooded Landscape with a House by a River 1610 - 1673

Lucas van Uden sketched this blue-paper landscape with pen and ink, conjuring a scene where nature and dwelling intertwine. Dominating the view is a large tree, its roots clinging to the riverbank; a powerful symbol resonating deeply within our collective memory. The tree, as a motif, enjoys a long lineage, stretching back to ancient myths. From the Tree of Life, a symbol for immortality in ancient Mesopotamia, to the world trees of Norse mythology, it represents growth and interconnectedness. Observe how the house nestles quietly by the water, a recurring symbol of refuge and permanence. Like the tree, the house embodies the human desire for stability. One is reminded of the recurring motif of the "hut" in art across the ages, evoking a sense of primal shelter and domesticity. These symbols tap into our subconscious understanding of protection and belonging, engaging us on a profound, emotional level. Indeed, the enduring appeal of this landscape lies in its cyclical return to fundamental human experiences.