The Property of John P. and Catharina Schuring, Franklin Town, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania 1883

Here we see a lithograph made by Ferdinand A. Brader in 1885, portraying "The Property of John P. and Catharina Schuring." This image offers a look at symbols of prosperity and order in rural Pennsylvania. Notice the meticulous arrangement of trees, livestock, and buildings, each element carefully placed within the frame. The image echoes a desire for harmony and control over nature, reflective of similar compositions found across cultures, such as in ancient Roman agricultural landscapes. The fences, clearly delineating boundaries, evoke a sense of security and property rights, much like the walled cities in medieval tapestries, which symbolized protection and wealth. Even the act of depicting the farm from a bird's eye view, asserts a god-like dominion over the land. These symbols aren't merely representations; they are emotional anchors, reflecting a deep-seated psychological need for stability and belonging. This impulse transcends time, echoing in how we continue to map, divide, and represent our spaces.