Stoomlocomotief before 1871

This photograph by George Gardner Rockwood captures a steam locomotive, a potent symbol of progress and industrial might. Observe the locomotive's form; it's reminiscent of mythical beasts, a fire-breathing dragon of the modern age. This mechanical creature resonates with earlier depictions of powerful animals, emblems of vitality and dominance. Consider the wheel – a motif echoing the cyclical nature of time and destiny, seen in ancient sun wheels and mandalas, here re-purposed as a symbol of forward momentum. The locomotive, a harbinger of change, stirs deep emotions – a blend of excitement and anxiety. It embodies humanity's relentless pursuit of advancement, yet also hints at the potential for disruption and displacement. This duality reflects our complex relationship with progress, a theme echoed across art history. The locomotive's recurring presence in art highlights its transformative impact, forever altering the course of history.