Deelnemers aan de race Parijs-Amsterdam in hun automobiel, vermoedelijk in de regio Houffalize 1898

This vintage photograph by Delizy captures participants in the Paris-Amsterdam race with their automobile, likely near Houffalize. The number 103 emblazoned on the vehicle serves as a marker, not unlike the banners and crests of medieval knights. The act of mechanical repair carries its own symbolism, echoing ancient depictions of blacksmith gods like Vulcan, forging weapons for heroes. Yet, this scene diverges. Instead of divine creation, we see a struggle with modernity. The automobile, a symbol of progress, is grounded, requiring human intervention. This evokes a primal unease: the machine, meant to liberate, demands servitude. Consider how this contrasts with classical images of chariots, symbols of triumph and effortless speed, driven by gods or heroes. Here, the breakdown, the imperfection, hints at a deeper psychological tension, the perpetual human struggle to control and master our creations. This tension persists, a recurring motif in our ongoing dance with technology.