Drie mannen bij een automobiel in Varaville 1897 - 1898

This photograph, found at the Rijksmuseum, captures three men attending to an early automobile. The motorcar, a symbol of modernity and progress, becomes a focal point for human interaction and ingenuity. This vehicle is reminiscent of Icarus's desire to fly, which is a recurring motif throughout history as humankind seeks to overcome earthly limitations. One is reminded of depictions of blacksmiths forging armor. Here, the figures lean in, heads bowed, engrossed in the mechanics of the new contraption, much like early Renaissance artists depicted the forging of weaponry—a convergence of technology and human skill. Notice the man at the back, pushing. A similar motif can be found in depictions of Atlas holding up the world. The collective memory we have of man's quest for innovation is a powerful force engaging viewers on a subconscious level. The cyclical progression of this image reminds us that these symbols have resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.