The Old Gate of Vaise, Lyon 1803

Jean Jacques de Boissieu created this print, “The Old Gate of Vaise, Lyon”, in the 18th century, capturing a scene imbued with symbols of transience and continuity. Dominating the view is the old gate itself, a relic of bygone eras. Its imposing presence is juxtaposed with the figures engaged in leisure, seemingly oblivious to the silent monument. The act of playing, seen here, carries echoes of ancient Roman games, a motif of social ritual that persists through centuries. Consider the figure on bended knee. It is an echo of supplication, a gesture as old as humanity itself, here secularized, yet still bearing the weight of deference. Such imagery has been passed down through history, evolving in tone and significance, shaped by cultural memory and collective subconscious. This scene, a moment of everyday life framed by the stones of history, invites us to ponder the cyclical nature of time and the endurance of human traditions. The gate stands as a stoic reminder of what has passed, while the game continues.