Alexander en Gotthard nemen afscheid en Mine onderweg naar Mietau 1779

This etching, created by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, captures poignant farewell scenes. On the left, we see a man kneeling, kissing a child’s hand—a gesture laden with paternal affection and perhaps a touch of melancholy. This act echoes across centuries, recalling images of fealty and reverence, but here, softened into familial tenderness. Consider the right panel: a figure on horseback, bidding adieu to a woman in solemn robes. The horse, a symbol of power and departure, contrasts with the static, rooted figure of the woman, possibly a nun. It reminds me of equestrian statues of Roman emperors, yet here, the grandeur is tempered by a palpable sense of parting. These gestures transcend mere historical context; they tap into a deeper, collective memory of leave-taking. This image reveals how symbols resurface, altered yet recognizable, echoing through time.