Cathedral Bridge, Buttermilk Falls, Watkins Glen, N.Y. 1863 - 1903

This stereograph by Charles Bierstadt captures the Cathedral Bridge at Watkins Glen in New York. Observe how the image presents a bridge as a symbolic motif. Bridges traditionally represent transitions, passages from one state to another—linking the earthly with the divine. We see this symbol in the ancient Roman idea of the Pontifex Maximus, the ‘greatest bridge-builder,’ a title held by the high priest, embodying the connection between humans and the gods. The solitary figure on the bridge evokes an emotional tension. The image resonates with our collective memories of journeys and crossings, stirring deep, often subconscious, feelings of anticipation and uncertainty. This bridge motif does not merely connect two physical points; it acts as a recurring emblem of human endeavour. The cyclical nature of this symbol invites us to reflect on how these images evolve and resurface, carrying echoes of the past into our present understanding.