Landschap met bomen aan water 1776 - 1822

Jan Hulswit rendered this waterside landscape with trees in a drawing, sometime in the late 18th to early 19th century. The drawing shows a few trees reflected in the water, in a simple composition. The image of the tree as a symbol is deeply embedded in our cultural memory. Throughout history, across cultures, the tree connects heaven and earth. It is often seen as the "axis mundi", the center of the world. Here, the depiction of trees reflected in the water creates a doubling effect, and we can associate the natural environment with notions of mirroring, subconscious, and introspection. Consider, for instance, the ancient Greek myth of Narcissus, who became so engrossed in his reflection in a pool of water that he gradually withered away. In art, water reflections have often symbolized a gateway to inner truth and the ephemeral nature of human existence. Hulswit presents to us a landscape rich with symbolism, engaging our subconscious on many levels.