Normandy c. 1853 - 1854

This sketch of Normandy was drawn by Jean-François Millet using graphite on paper. The steeple of the church, standing tall amidst the humble village dwellings, is more than just a marker of geographical location. It represents something profound, a connection to the divine. The steeple, as a symbol, carries echoes of ancient obelisks and minarets. It is a visual manifestation of humanity's yearning for transcendence. Think of the Tower of Babel, a testament to our ambition to reach the heavens. This yearning is a constant, woven into the fabric of our collective psyche. The spire atop the steeple, pointing towards the sky, evokes a sense of aspiration and spiritual longing. It's a recurring motif that has resurfaced throughout history, reflecting our innate desire to bridge the gap between the earthly and the divine. It is the eternal symbol, constantly evolving in form, yet forever rooted in the human experience.