Cantley: Wherries Waiting for the Turn of the Tide 1886

This photogravure, "Cantley: Wherries Waiting for the Turn of the Tide," was created by Peter Henry Emerson. Here, we observe ships at rest, their masts reflected in the still water, mirroring a sense of anticipation. The reflective symmetry in this image reminds me of the ancient symbol of the mirror, which reflects not just the physical but also the psychological and spiritual dimensions. It's an invitation to contemplate our inner selves, much like Narcissus gazing into the pool. Consider the use of reflections; it isn't merely a visual trick. Throughout art history, reflections often symbolize introspection, truth, and illusion, appearing in works from Renaissance paintings to modern photography. The emotional depth here lies in the stillness, a pause before action, engaging our subconscious with themes of expectation and the cyclical nature of life. This symbol isn't linear, but one that resurfaces, evolves, and finds new meanings across time.