Chess and Jane O'Camb c. 1900

Agnes Winterbottom Cooney created this cyanotype, “Chess and Jane O’Camb,” in the early 20th century. The couple sit at the entrance of a house, posed for the picture. But who are they? The presence of a house is of profound importance. It evokes the Roman concept of *genius loci*, the protective spirit of a place. Just like in ancient Pompeii, where every house had its guardian deity, here the house looms, a silent observer of human lives. The house, as a symbol, transcends time, from the humblest hut to the grandest palace, embodying security, family, and the deepest roots of belonging. This image resonates with similar portraits throughout history. The way they gaze, the careful composition, they all speak to a timeless human desire to capture and preserve a moment. The house stands as a silent witness, a keeper of memories, engaging us in a powerful, subconscious dialogue about home, identity, and the relentless flow of time.