Huis aan het water omringd door bomen 1870 - 1931

Willem Bastiaan Tholen etched this waterside house, surrounded by trees, capturing a scene of quiet, bucolic life. The dominant motif here is the tree itself, not merely as a botanical specimen, but as a potent symbol of life, growth, and connection. Consider the ancient Tree of Life, a motif found across cultures from Norse mythology to the Kabbalah. It represents the interconnectedness of all things, a link between the earthly and the divine. Tholen's tree, with its sprawling branches and deep roots, echoes this archetype. It is a guardian, a silent witness to the passage of time, evoking a sense of stability and endurance. The image resonates on a subconscious level, tapping into our collective memory. The tree reminds us of our deep-seated connection to nature and its life-affirming qualities. This simple etching captures a profound emotional truth, a timeless yearning for peace and rootedness.