Sketch of Horses Crossing Bridge c. 1847

John Burnet sketched this image of horses crossing a bridge with pen and brown ink. Here, the bridge is not merely a structure, but a potent symbol. It represents transition, a liminal space between two worlds. The image of crossing evokes a journey, a passage from one state to another. The bridge motif echoes through art history, from ancient Roman pontes to medieval depictions of the Bridge of Souls. The image of crossing, then, taps into a deep well of human experience—the hope, fear, and uncertainty inherent in every journey. Consider the emotional resonance of this simple sketch. Burnet engages viewers on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of anticipation, vulnerability, and the ever-present flow of time. These are powerful emotional states conveyed through the cyclical progression of this enduring symbol.