October 1850 - 1878

Charles-François Daubigny captured this autumn scene with oil on canvas, dominated by the smoldering fields and a sky heavy with the promise of winter. Look closely, and you will see the birds flying above the horizon. For centuries, birds have symbolized the soul's journey. These birds can be traced back to ancient Egyptian art, where they represented the 'ba,' the part of the soul that could leave the body. As Christianity spread, this symbol evolved, often depicting birds carrying souls to heaven. Think about the collective memory embedded in such images. The sight of birds in flight can stir a deep, subconscious longing for transcendence. The smoke in the background blends the sky, creating an emotional landscape that resonates with a sense of ephemerality. The same symbolic imagery of birds, resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, reflecting our ever-changing relationship with the natural world.