The Ancient Guardian

San Feliciano – Lago Trasimeno (Umbria – Italia)

The Ancient Guardian – Van Dyke on Washi 45g paper

It’s truly curious to realize how strange it is to grow attached to landscapes or a particular detail of them.

From my very first walk in San Feliciano, on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, I noticed a pair of dry trees, likely a long-standing part of the landscape in this beautiful location.
One of the two, in particular, struck me with its shape. Seen from a certain angle, it resembles a figure with outstretched arms gazing at the scenery, as if trying to embrace the entire lake.

It struck me so deeply that I returned several times to photograph it, trying to capture that joyful yet majestic pose.

A wind storm

Just a few weeks ago, likely during one of the recent windstorms that have been hitting the area, this majestic natural sculpture was broken at its base.
The municipality could do nothing but complete the job, and as a precaution, they also cut down the other tree, likely just as old and equally dry.

Today, the tree is still there. It lies on the ground, its arms irreparably damaged in the fall.
It’s used by children and passersby as a bench to rest on after a long walk, perhaps while admiring the lake’s scenery or a breathtaking sunset.
The same view that, for who knows how long, that gnarled trunk embraced day and night.

This photograph, the one that best represents this tree, has been printed as a limited edition on Japanese paper using the Van Dyke technique and will soon be available alongside others connected to the Lake Trasimeno area.