Near Vichy 1866 - 1867

Jean-François Millet created this ink and watercolor landscape, titled "Near Vichy," capturing a scene dominated by the recurring motif of the forest. Since ancient times, the forest has been imbued with deep symbolic meaning, representing the untamed wilderness of the human psyche. In works such as "Daphne and Apollo" by Bernini, forests appear as shadowy, dreamlike spaces symbolizing hidden emotions, acting as a stage where the drama of transformation and primal encounters unfold. In both works, the forest serves as a powerful, psychologically charged space, mirroring inner states and reflecting the mysteries of the human condition. The forest, a motif as old as art itself, has been passed down through history. Its symbolism has shifted, yet its power remains undiminished. Through the cyclical progression of symbols, the forest re-emerges, constantly evolving and inviting us to explore the depths of our subconscious.