Le Passage des oies sauvages c. 1862 - 1863

Jean-François Millet captured this scene of rural life, "Le Passage des oies sauvages," with pastel on paper, and the flock of geese overhead takes centre stage. Birds, in a broader context, are symbols of the soul and freedom, present throughout history in various forms, such as the Egyptian representation of the Ba, a bird embodying the soul's mobility. The image of the flock, a large group migrating together, presents notions of community, connection, and movement, echoing ancient migratory patterns, and reflecting a desire to reach a new destination. Consider the gesture of the figure shielding their eyes: a universal reaction to intense light, yet, it appears throughout art history, even in religious painting, to represent sudden enlightenment. This act reminds us how deeply ingrained these reactions are, and how art captures such powerful emotions. The flock of geese thus represents not just natural phenomena, but a non-linear concept with cultural and psychological roots, reminding us of the cyclical nature of symbols.