La Tamise (The Thames) 1894

Joseph Pennell created this etching titled "La Tamise," or "The Thames," capturing the essence of London's river. Notice the bridge in the background, a symbol of connection. Bridges have long served as metaphors for transitions, both physical and spiritual. The bridge in "La Tamise" evokes the ancient Roman pontifex, the bridge-builder, who was also a religious leader. The river itself symbolizes the flow of time and the subconscious. Water, often associated with cleansing and renewal, reminds us of the cyclical nature of life. Think of ancient myths where rivers marked the boundary between life and the underworld, a notion repeated throughout art history. Here, the river is a powerful, emotive force, engaging our deepest memories and subconscious associations. The Thames, like all great rivers, carries not just water, but also the weight of history, the ebb and flow of human experience. This imagery resonates even today.