Polling Landscape 1881

Frank Duveneck made this painting, a landscape, likely in the late 19th century. Note how Duveneck depicts the tall grasses and the reflective water, they evoke a sense of nature’s vitality. Consider how the reflective nature of water has been used in art across time. In ancient Greek mythology, Narcissus, captivated by his own reflection, wastes away. This motif appears throughout history, and reminds us of the delicate balance between self-awareness and self-obsession. Like Narcissus, we see ourselves reflected in the world. The presence of water is also a symbol of change. It reminds us that life is not stagnant. The continuous, cyclical movement of water mirrors the non-linear, cyclical progression of life and history. This image invites us to reflect on our place within the ever-changing landscape of existence.