Gezicht op Balholm in Noorwegen c. 1870 - 1900

This photograph by Knud Knudsen captures Balholm in Norway, with its serene waters and towering mountains. The landscape itself is a powerful symbol. Mountains, in particular, have long been associated with the sublime, evoking feelings of awe, reverence, and even fear. We can see this reverence in the art of Caspar David Friedrich, whose solitary figures are dwarfed by the immensity of nature. This concept transcends beyond Western art. In Shintoism, mountains are sacred, seen as dwelling places of gods. Here, the mountains embrace the village, offering protection but also reminding us of the overwhelming force of nature. The water's stillness, reflecting the sky, adds another layer of meaning, mirroring the human soul's search for tranquility. This photograph, therefore, captures not just a place but a feeling, a universal yearning for connection with something greater than ourselves.