Untitled (waterfall) c. 1870s

Editor: Here we have William Henry Jackson's 'Untitled (waterfall)', a photograph from the Harvard Art Museums. The oval frame gives it a nostalgic feel. What kind of symbolism might be at play here? Curator: Water, as captured here, often signifies purification and the cyclical nature of time. Notice how the waterfall's continuous flow, a common motif across cultures, can represent both the relentless passage of time and the enduring power of nature. Editor: Interesting! It's like a visual representation of "everything flows". Curator: Precisely. Do you see the trees framing the image? They act as silent witnesses, symbols of resilience and connection to the earth, grounding the ephemeral nature of the water. Editor: I hadn't considered that. It gives the whole scene a sense of timelessness. Curator: Indeed, the image captures nature's eternal dance. Editor: I'll definitely remember that.