Buttermilk Creek, Ithaca, N.Y. Steeple Rock, about 50 ft. high, and Falls below about 50 ft. 1860 - 1865

This stereoscopic photograph by J.C. Burritt captures Buttermilk Creek in Ithaca, New York. Notice how the cascading falls, with water flowing over the rocks, dominate the composition. Waterfalls have long held a symbolic weight in the human psyche. In ancient Greece, rivers were personified as gods, embodying the life-giving force of nature. Consider, too, the recurring motif of the "fountain of life" in medieval art, often depicted as a cascading spring, symbolizing spiritual renewal and purification. This image evokes a similar sense of cleansing and rejuvenation. Water, unrestrained, mirrors the cyclical nature of existence itself. The image resonates with the deep-seated human fascination with the power of nature and its capacity for both destruction and renewal. The continuous flow creates a mesmerizing effect, drawing the viewer into a state of contemplation. It's a powerful reminder of the ceaseless, cyclical progression of time.