COMMENTS TO MY PAGE "ART POSTCARDS WITH A RAILWAY MOTIVE"
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Ein letzer Gruss, ein letzer Blick
"Ein letzer Gruss, ein letzer Blick", or "Ein letzer Blick, ein letzer Gruss", a German poem / song (transl.: Last Greeting and Last look), is an emotional farewell song, often sung or recited in a mourning or memorial context. The lyrics address the painful moment of saying goodbye to a loved one—be it through death or separation—and express feelings of grief, remembrance, and love.. The text probably dates back to the 19th century, possibly as part of the Romantic lieder genre (similar to works by Schubert, Schumann, or Brahms), but was also set to music by later composers. Friedrich Silcher (1789–1860) set music to the poem. Silcher was one of the most important folk song collectors and composers of the 19th century. His settings are often simple, soulful, and easy to sing—typical of German art and folk songs of that time. Meaning of the song: "Ein letzte Gruß" (A Last Greeting) represents the final farewell to someone you will never see again. "Ein letzte Blick" (A Last Look) refers to the symbolic or actual last moment you see the other person—for example, when closing a coffin or saying goodbye at a grave.
Overall, the song expresses a mixture of pain, love, and the desire for inner peace—for both the deceased and the mourners. The German postcard is likely from the early 20th century, possibly around the time of World War I or shortly thereafter. It features a sentimental and patriotic motif related to the railway and its workers. Two railway workers are busy operating a steam locomotive. This view into the cab shows the machinery, dials, and the dynamic work of stoking the fire and managing the engine. A woman with a child (possibly the wife or loved one of one of the workers) is standing at the gate, waving and reaching out emotionally as the train departs. The word "Gruß" (Greeting) is rising with the smoke from the chimney, emphasizing the farewell gesture.
May 15th, 2025
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