Morning on the Seine at Giverny 02 1897

This painting, "Morning on the Seine at Giverny," by Claude Monet, presents us with more than just a landscape; it offers a glimpse into the very essence of water as a symbol of life and change. The river, bathed in the soft light of dawn, invites us to contemplate the constant flux of existence. Water is not merely a physical element here; it carries with it the weight of centuries. Think of the ancient rivers, the Nile, the Tigris, and the Euphrates, cradles of civilization. The river is a motif that transcends time. The reflections on the Seine remind us of Narcissus, captivated by his own image in the water, a symbol of self-awareness but also of the dangers of introspection. Yet, Monet transforms this motif, encouraging us to see beyond the surface. This mirroring effect suggests a dialogue between reality and perception, between the seen and the unseen. The Seine, then, is not just a river but a mirror reflecting our own transient existence.