Gezicht op de Dande before 1886

José Augusto da Cunha Moraes created this photographic print portraying a view of the Dande. Notice the tranquil river, reflecting the lush vegetation and a solitary palm tree. The palm, a symbol of victory and eternal life, has ancient roots, appearing in Mesopotamian art and later in Christian iconography to represent martyrdom. Its verticality contrasts with the horizontal flow of the river. The motif of a single, standing tree or column, reaching towards the sky, can be traced back to ancient Egyptian obelisks and classical representations of the Tree of Life. This symbol transcends cultures, embodying notions of growth and connection between the earthly and the divine. Here, it stirs in us a deep-seated longing for harmony, resonating with our collective memory and a primal connection to nature. The composition echoes a yearning for balance, a desire deeply embedded in our psyche. The image evokes a powerful sense of stillness and contemplation, reminding us of the timeless dialogue between humanity and nature.