Fotoreproductie van een tekening door vermoedelijk Edmond Morin, voorstellend een groep mensen voor het hoofd van het Vrijheidsbeeld before 1879

This photogravure captures a drawing, possibly by Edmond Morin, depicting a group before the head of the Statue of Liberty, embodying ideals of freedom and enlightenment. The Statue's head, a beacon of liberty, echoes ancient depictions of sun gods and classical personifications of freedom, like Libertas in Roman art. The torch, often associated with enlightenment, can be traced back to classical depictions of Prometheus, who stole fire from the gods to give to humanity. Consider how such symbols resonate across time. The torch, for instance, appears in various forms throughout history, from religious rituals to political demonstrations. The act of holding aloft a light embodies hope, guidance, and defiance. This image, therefore, acts as a cultural touchstone, tapping into our collective memory and desires for liberation and progress, continually resurfacing in our shared consciousness.