Hudson (No. 13 of The Hudson River Portfolio) 1825

This aquatint, "Hudson" from The Hudson River Portfolio, was created by John Hill. Notice how the image depicts two men hauling a net from the river. This simple act of labor carries echoes of ancient mythologies. Think of the fisherman from the depths of time, figures like those who cast nets in biblical stories. These archetypal figures, repeated across cultures, speak to humanity's constant struggle with nature. Throughout history, the image of the fisherman has symbolized not just sustenance but also existential quests, a reaching into the unknown. Here, the men appear in a New World context. Yet, their efforts resonate with the ancient struggles of man against nature, evoking a sense of timeless continuity. Such enduring symbols engage us on a subconscious level, stirring primal memories and emotions. They remind us that even in a landscape vastly different from those of antiquity, the fundamental aspects of human existence remain.