The First Gate 1974

Peter Milton created this etching and engraving titled "The First Gate". In this print, classical columns create a threshold, framing a scene rich with symbolic imagery. The columns, reminiscent of ancient temples, suggest a passage to a space of reflection. Notice the recurring motif of figures in contemplative poses. Two figures are seated together, seemingly sharing a moment of intimacy. The shared act is a motif of introspection that can be traced back to medieval art. Think of melancholic figures in illuminated manuscripts who represent a turning inward to examine the self. The architectural elements here guide the viewer's gaze and evoke the feeling of entering a space of contemplation. The "gate" in the title acts as a powerful psychological force that invites us to confront our own memories. It is a threshold we cross repeatedly in our minds. Milton’s work reminds us that the symbols of our past are never truly gone but constantly resurface.