Iona 

This painting of Iona by Samuel Peploe captures a shoreline where the earth and sea meet, marked by the enduring presence of rocks. These rocks, smoothed by time and tide, are silent witnesses to history, their immobility a striking counterpoint to the sea’s restless motion. We see this symbolism echoed in ancient myths, where rocks often represent stability amidst chaos. Consider the myth of Deucalion and Pyrrha, who repopulated the earth by casting stones behind them. The rocks' transformation into human beings encapsulates the enduring power of transformation and rebirth. Here, Peploe, perhaps unconsciously, taps into this collective memory, portraying the rocks not merely as geological features but as symbols of resilience and continuity. They engage us on a deep, subconscious level, reminding us of nature’s timeless strength and permanence. The scene is a reminder of nature’s cyclical rhythm: the relentless waves, the unyielding rocks, and the ever-changing light. They offer us a glimpse into the eternal dance between destruction and renewal.