The Mammoth Grove Hotel from the Grove - Calaveras 1876 - 1880

Carleton Watkins captured this circular photograph of The Mammoth Grove Hotel in Calaveras, using the wet plate collodion process. Dominating the image is the stoic presence of the giant sequoia, a symbol of endurance and the sublime power of nature. Consider the tree’s roots, a motif echoing the ancient Tree of Life, found in cultures from Mesopotamia to Scandinavia. This symbol represents the interconnectedness of all things, a cosmic axis linking the earthly and divine realms. We find echoes of this symbolism in the sacred groves of ancient Greece, where trees were venerated as dwelling places of deities, their imposing stature inspiring both awe and reverence. The emotional weight carried by these ancient symbols resonates even today, tapping into our primal connection with nature, a potent force that evokes feelings of wonder and humility. Through Watkins' lens, the sequoia becomes a vessel for this collective memory, its towering form inviting us to contemplate our place within the grand tapestry of existence.