Rijstvelden bij de vulkaan Salak op Java 1899

This etching, by Wijnand Otto Jan Nieuwenkamp, captures the rice fields near the Salak volcano in Java. Here, the volcano looms—a silent, watchful presence—overshadowing the geometrically arranged rice paddies. The volcano isn't merely a geographical feature; it is a powerful symbol. Across cultures and eras, mountains, and especially volcanoes, evoke the sublime—a potent mix of awe and fear. Think of Mount Olympus in Greek mythology, home to the gods, or the role of mountains in spiritual traditions worldwide. The terraced rice fields, with their careful cultivation, mirror humanity’s attempt to impose order on nature's raw force. This interplay echoes in Renaissance paintings, where idealized landscapes often feature ruins—reminders of time’s passage and humanity's transient place in the world. Here, we see a similar tension, reminding us of the delicate balance between the earth’s volatile power and the enduring persistence of human life.