Fisherman's Cottage at Varengeville 1882

Claude Monet captured this coastal scene with oil on canvas, depicting a fisherman's cottage nestled in Varengeville. The prominent motif here is that of the house itself, perched precariously on the edge, a symbol of shelter and domesticity juxtaposed against the vast, untamed sea. Across cultures, the house represents the self, its foundation, a person's history, and the roof, the aspiration. Think of Roman frescoes, where houses are depicted to portray the life of its inhabitants. Here, Monet presents a humble dwelling. This symbol echoes through time; from the mythic cabin of Romulus, which embodies simplicity and rustic virtue, to the modern concept of home, now laden with bourgeois sentiment. Even in our subconscious, the image of a house has a profound effect, tapping into deeply ingrained notions of safety and belonging. As you reflect, consider the cyclical, non-linear journey of symbols and how they resurface, adapt, and take on new meanings across various epochs.