The Bridge in Labastide du Vert 

Henri Martin painted this image of a bridge using oil on canvas. The bridge, as a symbol, has spanned time and cultures, representing connection, transition, and passage. Here, in its stone materiality, the bridge is more than just a physical structure; it is a symbol of enduring strength. It has been said that bridges allow one to cross from one state of being to another. The bridge’s arch, mirrored in its reflection on the water, creates a complete circle, evoking wholeness and continuity. Water, often representing the subconscious, flows beneath the bridge, suggesting the depths of emotion and memory that connect us. The choice of the bridge motif taps into our collective memory, resonating with archetypal themes of overcoming obstacles and embarking on new journeys. Consider the ancient Roman bridges, symbols of imperial power and connectivity, or the medieval bridges dotted with religious icons, each bridge is a cultural palimpsest layered with meaning. It seems the bridge has a cyclical progression, constantly resurfacing and evolving, as we seek to connect our past with our future.