Gezicht op de oever van de Marne bij Citry 1840 - 1895

Alfred Alexandre Delauney made this view of the Marne River near Citry with etching. The scene reveals the interplay of light and shadow, symbolizing the transient nature of existence. The river flows, an age-old symbol of time and change, seen in countless cultures from Mesopotamian art to Renaissance paintings. Consider the contrast between the stillness of the riverbank and the movement in the sky, the clouds evoke a sense of unease and the ephemeral quality of life. Similarly, the trees, rooted yet reaching, reflect humanity's connection to the earth and aspiration toward the heavens. Throughout history, such natural elements have carried profound emotional weight. Think of the Romantic landscapes of Caspar David Friedrich, where nature reflects the inner states of man. Delauney engages this tradition, creating a landscape that touches our deepest subconscious feelings and evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding us that symbols in art are never truly new but constantly evolving.