Goat Island, Lighthouse by Black & Chase

Goat Island, Lighthouse 1864 - 1867

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photography, albumen-print

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16_19th-century

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landscape

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photography

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united-states

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albumen-print

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realism

Dimensions 5.4 × 7.7 cm (image); 6.1 × 10.1 cm (card)

This photograph captures Goat Island Lighthouse, a beacon of light, hope and safety. Lighthouses have stood as symbols across various cultures. In ancient times, they were not just navigational aids but also represented enlightenment and guidance. Think of the Pharos of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders, embodying knowledge and progress. In this image, the lighthouse is a static element, yet it evokes a sense of continuous vigilance and unwavering guidance, much like the eternal flame in ancient temples. The path leading to it, however, draws the eye, and becomes a metaphor for life's journey, fraught with uncertainty yet guided by a steadfast light. The symbolic lighthouse creates a powerful tension, engaging our subconscious with its promise of direction. The lighthouse motif is cyclical, reappearing throughout history in different forms. From literal beacons to metaphorical symbols in literature and art, it represents the eternal human quest for meaning, security, and finding our way through the darkness.

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