Small Hill (Le coteau) 

This etching of a “Small Hill” was created by Alphonse Legros. The sun, emerging from behind the hill, is the dominant motif here. A symbol of hope and renewal, the sun has been central to human experience since the dawn of time. The sun’s radiant light, breaking through the darkness, reminds me of similar imagery found in ancient Egyptian art, where Ra, the sun god, journeys across the sky, or, much later, in Christian art where it represents divine illumination. Consider its depiction in illuminated manuscripts, where light signifies spiritual awakening. Throughout history, the sun motif has acquired layers of meaning—from a life-giving force to a symbol of power and enlightenment. Note how our psychological response to light remains constant. This image connects us to an ancient, shared understanding.