Gezicht op de Rialtobrug te Venetië c. 1860 - 1880

This photograph captures the Rialto Bridge in Venice, a symbol of connection and transition. The bridge itself is a powerful motif, evoking the ancient Roman tradition of bridge-building as a means to conquer nature and unite disparate parts of an empire. But here, the bridge is softened, almost dreamlike, in the still water. We see gondolas beneath its arches, which are a uniquely Venetian symbol. The gondola recalls images of Charon ferrying souls across the River Styx, a liminal passage between worlds. The gondola adds a layer of introspective contemplation, suggesting a journey not just through physical space but through the depths of the psyche. The enduring image of the bridge, combined with the gondola, creates a powerful emotional resonance. The cyclical resurfacing of these symbols reminds us of the continuous interplay between past and present, and the unconscious forces that shape our perception of Venice as a city of mystery and romance.