Venetian Scene 1880

Charles Corwin captured this Venetian scene using etching, a technique that translates light and shadow into a language all its own. Notice the gondola, the sleek, dark boats gliding through the water, here clustered around a gathering of people. These vessels are not merely a means of transport. They evoke the myth of Charon, the ferryman of Hades, transporting souls across the river Styx. This motif is deeply embedded in our collective psyche, symbolizing transitions and passages from one state to another. Consider the way water, a symbol of both life and oblivion, reflects the architecture of Venice. These reflections distort and transform, reminding us of the ever-changing nature of existence, and the transience of human endeavors. Much like life itself, the gondola continues its journey, carrying its passengers into an uncertain future. This scene is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.