Indian Encampment 

Albert Bierstadt crafted this oil on paper artwork, entitled ‘Indian Encampment’. At first glance, the majestic mountain range dominates, yet our eyes are drawn to the dwellings at its base. These teepees are a potent symbol of shelter and community, yet they also evoke a sense of transience. Since antiquity, the triangle has appeared as a symbol, in the shape of pyramids, or roof tops. In ancient cultures, the triangular form was a protective symbol, a motif we see echoed across time and cultures. Observe how these simple dwellings mirror the mountain’s peak, connecting the human and natural realms, embedding within the viewer a deep, perhaps subconscious sense of belonging. The image of refuge continues its non-linear journey.