The Old Castle of Collioure 1878

Adolphe Appian's etching captures the Old Castle of Collioure, a formidable stone fortress set against the tranquil sea. The castle, a symbol of power and endurance, dominates the scene, its stone walls whispering tales of battles and sieges. The motif of the castle is steeped in history; consider, for instance, how similar structures appear in medieval tapestries, emblems of strength and defense. Yet, here, the castle is softened, juxtaposed with scenes of daily life and commerce. This echoes the way in which the symbolic weight of such structures evolves. In the collective memory, castles evoke ideas of protection, but also confinement, and the interplay between these interpretations profoundly affects our emotional response. This etching, with its delicate lines and serene atmosphere, serves as a reminder that even the most potent symbols are subject to the currents of time. They shift in meaning as they resurface in new contexts.