Gezicht op de kade van de Donau in Boedapest 1868

Charles Gaudin captured this stereoscopic view of the quay of the Danube in Budapest, immortalizing a bustling scene of urban life. The river, historically significant as a trade route and border, dominates the composition. The presence of boats – symbols of commerce and connectivity – immediately evokes a sense of movement and exchange. These vessels can be seen as modern interpretations of ancient ships navigating the river Styx, carrying souls across realms, in this case, goods and people across nations. Reflect on the subtle melancholic mood, a nostalgia perhaps – even the light, diffused and dreamlike, contributes to this feeling. Consider how the river’s reflective surface mirrors not just the physical world, but also the emotional landscape of the city. This image stirs a sense of continuity, where past and present merge in an eternal flow.