At the Well 1911

Auguste-Louis Lepère created this print, titled "At the Well," using etching techniques. The well, centrally featured, is a powerful symbol, representing life's source. The act of drawing water has ancient roots, appearing in myths and religious stories across cultures. Consider the biblical Rebecca at the well, or ancient Roman depictions of water nymphs. This act isn't just about quenching thirst; it's about obtaining wisdom, purification, and even foretelling the future. Water, as a symbol, ebbs and flows through time, carrying deep psychological weight. It embodies the cyclical nature of life itself—a continuous movement between conscious acknowledgement and the depths of the unconscious. Notice the woman’s labour here. The simple act of extracting water connects us to the fundamental human need, resonating on a subconscious level. This scene, like the recurring symbol of water, reminds us of our shared history, our collective memory, and the timeless essence of human existence.