Mosman's Bay 1888

Julian Ashton captured Mosman's Bay in a watercolor painting, featuring a tranquil scene with figures near the waterfront. The composition is dominated by the motif of the waterfront inn, a space of gathering that dates back to antiquity. The inn calls to mind the ancient Greek symposium, a place for philosophical discussions, or even the Roman thermae, where intellectual and social life was cultivated. This motif transcends time and appears in various forms, from medieval taverns to modern cafes. It speaks to the archetypal human need for connection, a theme repeated throughout art history. These communal spaces, depicted here as a quiet place for an idle afternoon, tap into a collective memory, evoking feelings of belonging and nostalgia, powerful forces engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The inn, a potent symbol, constantly resurfaces and evolves through history.