Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van Gustav Schönleber, voorstellend boerderijen aan het water before 1898

This is a photogravure of a painting by Gustav Schönleber, depicting farmhouses by the water. Here, the tranquil surface of the water reflects the buildings, a motif seen throughout art history, from ancient mosaics to the works of the Impressionists. This act of mirroring isn't just about aesthetics; it delves into the human psyche, symbolizing introspection and duality. We see it echoed in mythology where reflections often serve as portals to other realms, or symbols of hidden truths. Consider Narcissus, the youth who wasted away staring at his own reflection, an allegory for the dangers of self-obsession. The doubling, the mirroring, serves as a powerful visual cue for exploring themes of identity, perception, and the subconscious, recurring across different epochs and mediums. It is an invitation to look beyond the surface, to consider the hidden depths.