Berlin Falls nabij de White Mountains 1862 - 1874

This stereograph of Berlin Falls near the White Mountains was captured by John P. Soule, inviting us to ponder the enduring symbolism of water. Here, the cascading falls and the still surface of the water serve as potent emblems of nature's dual character: force and tranquility. We are at once reminded of its life-sustaining properties and its potential for destruction. Think of the ancient Greek myths, where rivers were not just geographical features, but divinities, beings with power to both nourish and overwhelm. The bridge in the image, a small human structure, prompts us to contemplate the relationship between humanity and the natural world. It is a fragile link attempting to traverse the untamable torrent below. Throughout history, bridges have appeared as symbols of connection, transition, and the bridging of divides. Water, bridge, mountain... nature's visual vocabulary is a collective memory that echoes through time and across cultures.