Watermolens in Charbonnières-les-Sapins before 1895

This monochrome photograph captures watermills in Charbonnières-les-Sapins. Here, we see a harmonious blend of nature and industry, but it's the water, the driving force of these mills, that truly captivates. The image presents a scene where the water is both a source of life and a symbol of cyclical change. Water, in its ceaseless flow, echoes motifs found across cultures, symbolizing purification, renewal, and the eternal cycle of existence. Consider how water appears in ancient mythologies, from the rivers of the Underworld to baptismal rites, a symbol that has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts. This symbol, though simple, engages us on a deep, subconscious level.