The Mill of the Cage c. 19th century

Editor: This etching, "The Mill of the Cage" by Alfred Taiée, captures a very still, quiet scene. What do you see when you look at it? Curator: The mill, perched precariously, feels like a forgotten symbol of industry overtaken by nature. Notice the figures—one fishing, another reclining. What do these figures suggest about our relationship to the landscape? Editor: Maybe a sense of ease, a return to simpler things? Curator: Precisely. The mill might represent the past, while the figures embody a present embrace of leisure. The image echoes a longing for harmony between humanity and nature, a theme deeply rooted in our cultural memory. Editor: That makes me appreciate the quiet mood even more. Thanks for pointing that out.