Untitled (Surreal Landscape) 1930

This surreal landscape was etched by Eugene Berman in the 20th century. Arches, with their promise of transition and passage, dominate the composition. Traditionally, arches symbolize triumph and connection, like those adorning Roman monuments, but here, they stand as gateways to nowhere, framing emptiness and shadow. This motif echoes across epochs. Consider Piranesi’s architectural fantasies; both artists use arches to evoke a sense of grandeur, yet also of alienation. While arches once signified power and permanence, they now suggest decay and the transience of human endeavor. The arches' psychological impact is profound, stirring a sense of melancholy tied to our collective memory of lost empires and faded glory. Ultimately, these arches are more than just architectural features; they are cultural symbols, continually resurfacing, evolving, and reflecting our deepest anxieties about time and mortality.