Bodetor boven de Waldkater 1868 - 1890

This vintage photograph by Hermann Selle captures the 'Bodethor über den Waldkater', a scene from Harz, Germany. The image centers around natural rock formations that evoke a sense of primordial power. These geological features, like ancient monoliths, command our attention. Such monumental forms are not unique to the Harz; we find their echoes in prehistoric standing stones across Europe. These stones were often perceived as places of power, of connection to the earth, and a source of spiritual energy. Consider the psychological impact of such grandeur. The human psyche is drawn to the awe-inspiring, to the sublime. The image, in its stark simplicity, taps into our collective memory, reminding us of an ancient, shared fascination with the monumental forces of nature, how these forms connect to rituals, beliefs, and the subconscious. It is the cyclical progression of a symbol, resurfacing, evolving, and finding new meanings in different times.