Dorp aan het water 1865 - 1869

This etching, "Village on the Water" by Sir Francis Seymour Haden, captures a tranquil waterside scene. The dominant visual element is the water itself, reflecting the buildings and sky. Reflections of water have long been a potent symbol across cultures. In ancient myths, water is not merely a physical element but a mirror to the soul, revealing hidden aspects of the self. Think of Narcissus, who wasted away staring at his own reflection, a cautionary tale of self-obsession. Here, the reflections create a doubling effect, blurring the line between reality and illusion. This evokes a sense of the uncanny, reminding us of the human tendency to seek meaning and project our desires onto the external world. We look into the water, and what do we see? Is it the village, or a reflection of our own longing for peace and simplicity? The village, the serene atmosphere of this work, it’s a dance between what is seen and what is felt.