Late Afternoon 1927

This etching, "Late Afternoon," by Philip Little, captures a serene coastal scene with flocks of birds taking flight. Birds, universally, symbolize the soul's journey, transformation, and freedom. Consider the ancient Egyptian belief in the Ba, the soul of the deceased, often depicted as a bird that could freely move between the worlds of the living and the dead. This imagery recurs throughout history. Birds appear in countless mythologies and artistic traditions, from the dove representing peace in Christian iconography to the raven symbolizing prophecy and mystery in Norse mythology. Here, the birds evoke a sense of yearning and transition, a reminder of the transient nature of life, and the soul's eternal quest for liberation. This primal connection to birds, a collective memory passed down through generations, touches something deep within us, resonating with our own subconscious longings for freedom and transcendence. The same image reappears again and again, each time subtly altered.