London Bridge Half Tide 

John Atkinson Grimshaw captured this view of London Bridge at half tide with oil paints. Dominating the scene is the moon, a luminous presence that has been a potent symbol throughout history, often linked to cycles of change and the rhythm of nature. The moon, as seen here, echoes in countless other works across time. Think of its haunting presence in Caspar David Friedrich's landscapes or its romantic allure in works by the Symbolists. Here, the moon casts a spectral glow, its light reflecting off the water and enveloping the industrial landscape in a dreamlike atmosphere. But what does it mean that the moon is here, now? The moon reminds us of our connection to the cosmos, to the ever-turning wheel of time, and to the emotional depths within us that respond to its pull. Grimshaw uses the moon to engage us on a deep, subconscious level, inviting us to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring power of nature. The lunar orb is not merely a celestial body, it is a mirror reflecting our collective memories and primal emotions.