Stazione a Milano 1909

Carlo Carrà painted this bustling train station scene in Milan using oil on canvas. The dominant image is that of a locomotive, a symbol of modernity and progress, spewing steam that merges with the light. The steam motif, also seen in Turner’s paintings, evokes a sense of power and transformation. In ancient alchemy, steam symbolized sublimation, the transformation of matter from one state to another. Here, the people seem to dissolve into this technological mist, suggesting a profound shift in human experience. This transformation also brings to mind mythical metamorphoses, where gods and mortals blur boundaries, reflecting our subconscious yearning for change. Notice how the golden light bathes the scene, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and excitement. This evokes a primitive, almost visceral, response, tapping into the collective memory of our ancestors. The scene suggests a world in flux, constantly evolving, where the boundaries between technology and humanity become increasingly blurred. The dynamism reminds us of the cyclical nature of history, where symbols reappear, reinvent themselves, and take on new meanings.