Brug over een vijver in de Palmentuin van Frankfurt after 1871

This photograph of a bridge over a pond in Frankfurt's Palm Garden was created by Johann Friedrich Stiehm. During the latter half of the 19th century, photography emerged as both an artistic medium and a tool for documenting the rapidly changing world. Stiehm's work provides a glimpse into the cultural values and social structures of his time, reflecting a desire to capture and preserve images of modernity meeting nature. Note the way the figures are positioned on the bridge, their presence emphasizing the intersection of human activity and natural space. This composition prompts reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature, the cultural values of the time, and the role of photography in shaping perceptions of progress and identity. What does it mean to seek refuge in nature, and how has this changed over time?