Huts Etretat 1876

This delicate drawing was made with graphite by Barbin in 1876 and presents the huts of Etretat. Note how the humble huts, with their thatched roofs, are dwarfed by the imposing cliffs, hinting at the eternal battle between man and nature. Now, consider the symbolism of the arch, carved naturally into the cliffs. This motif echoes through art history, from ancient Roman triumphal arches celebrating military victories to the Gothic arches of cathedrals reaching for the heavens. Here, the natural arch presents a connection between the earthly and the sublime, a passageway through time. The arch can be found across cultures, carrying meanings from a gate, a transition, or even a symbol of fertility. The image resonates with a primal human experience, a subconscious awareness of nature's overwhelming power and endurance. This scene touches something deep within us, reminding us of the cyclical nature of existence.