Île Rousseau te Genève 1889 - 1900

This is an old photograph of Île Rousseau in Geneva, made with a coloured printing process. The island is a verdant refuge amidst the urban landscape, dominated by tall, slender trees. The island motif has ancient roots. Think of the Isle of the Dead, recurring across cultures as places of spiritual transition. Islands possess a potent allure, embodying both isolation and sanctuary. The tree, too, is a powerful symbol of life, growth, and connection between the earthly and the divine. In ancient cults, trees were venerated as abodes of spirits, linking heaven and earth. This is reflected in the image, with the trees stretching toward the sky. This scene invites introspection, drawing viewers into a contemplative space where nature and human life converge, stirring deep-seated emotions and memories. The island with its trees becomes a timeless symbol of retreat and contemplation.