Gezicht op de rivier bij Monistrol-d'Allier 1902

This photograph, taken by Delizy, captures a view of the river at Monistrol-d'Allier. Here, we see the river as a potent symbol, a motif deeply embedded in the human psyche. Water, throughout history, has signified life, purification, and the subconscious. Think of ancient river deities, worshipped for their life-giving force, or the symbolic baptism, representing spiritual cleansing. This river, with its constant flow, mirrors the ceaseless movement of time, an eternal return, a concept that echoes across cultures. Consider the river's presence in mythologies—the River Styx, the river of death, or the Ganges, a symbol of purification. It is not merely a geographical feature but a carrier of cultural memory. It reflects our primal connection to nature, evoking emotions that resonate with our deepest fears and hopes. This symbolism transcends Delizy’s photograph, reappearing in art across epochs. The river's psychological impact is cyclical: it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, connecting us to our collective past.