Lighthouse 19th-20th century

Martha Hale Harvey captured this evocative photograph of a lighthouse. Dominating the scene, the lighthouse stands as a potent symbol of guidance and safety. These beacons have ancient roots, appearing in various forms across cultures, from the Pharos of Alexandria to Roman signal towers, each an attempt to pierce through darkness and uncertainty. Notice how the lighthouse not only serves a practical function, but also embodies humanity's enduring need for direction. Consider the Jungian concept of archetypes: the lighthouse may be seen as a representation of the 'wise guide', a figure that recurs in myths and legends worldwide, offering help and orientation. It’s fascinating to observe how the symbolism of the lighthouse has evolved. While it still means guidance, in modern narratives it can also embody isolation or the struggle against overwhelming forces, reflecting our changing collective anxieties. This constant adaptation and re-emergence of symbols show us the non-linear and cyclical progression of cultural memory.