Great Western Railway, Acton 1907

Lucien Pissarro captures in oil paint the Great Western Railway in Acton, focusing our eye on the iconic steam train. Its billowing smoke evokes the relentless march of modernity. The train itself, a symbol of progress, echoes motifs found in ancient triumphal arches, signifying power and conquest. Consider the Roman arches—gateways to new territories and eras—now mirrored in these industrial structures. This image of the train, shrouded in steam, brings to mind the mythical dragon, a creature of immense power. The dragon, often seen as a guardian of treasure or a harbinger of change, embodies both the allure and the anxiety of progress. Just as the dragon breathes fire, the train emits steam, signifying the transformative energy of the modern age. The emotional impact of this scene is palpable; the steam train barreling forwards leaves behind it a sense of awe, tinged with the unease of the unknown. The artist evokes powerful subconscious associations and collective memory as a new era is ushered in.