Hurlingham c. 1878

James McNeill Whistler created this artwork, Hurlingham, using etching on paper. The prominent symbol here is the sailboat, which is echoed by its reflection, doubling the image. We see the sailboat appearing across cultures and centuries, representing journeys, both literal and metaphorical. Think of the ancient Egyptians, who used boats to navigate the Nile, but also as a vessel for the soul’s journey into the afterlife. These boats facilitated the passage of earthly goods and, spiritually, represented the journey from one state of being to another. Here, the water's reflective surface suggests a moment of pause. This moment can stir a deep, subconscious recognition within us. The image of a ship can tap into our collective memory, evoking a range of feelings from a sense of adventure to a quiet, meditative state. Just as the waters flow, this motif continues its voyage through time, its essence felt and re-imagined by each generation.