Kustweg van Nice naar Monaco ter hoogte van Beaulieu-sur-Mer c. 1870 - 1900

Étienne Neurdein captured this view of the road from Nice to Monaco using photography. A striking motif here is the tunnel, a passage carved into the cliffside. Tunnels, as portals, have long held symbolic weight. Think of ancient myths, where caves and passages often represent transitions, from life to death and back again. This architectural feature mirrors the arches of triumph found in Roman art, gateways designed to celebrate victory and power, meant to inspire awe. Here, the tunnel serves a more practical function, allowing travel and trade. Yet, it retains a sense of mystery, a dark space promising passage to the unknown. This duality is potent. It engages our collective memory, touching upon primal fears and hopes of transformation. The tunnel is more than stone; it is a symbol of human endeavor, a testament to our enduring need to connect, explore, and overcome. The image conveys a sense of journey and transformation.