Rydale water, and Nab Scar before 1870

Here we see "Rydale Water, and Nab Scar," an undated print by Thomas Ogle, which captures a serene landscape with a body of water and a prominent mountain. The image is framed within an arched border, which is a motif that invites us to contemplate the concept of landscapes as spaces of sanctuary. The use of natural elements, such as water and mountains, echoes symbolic motifs of purity and aspiration seen across cultures. Water, as a symbol of cleansing and renewal, and mountains, which have been places of spiritual ascent, show human connections to the natural world as we strive to find higher meaning. The arch, in its many iterations, is a constant reminder of our shared desire to find openings, whether in physical space or through the passage of time. These shapes represent a connection to the eternal, a bridge between the earthly and the transcendent. It is in this cyclical return of shapes and symbols that we see the enduring power of images.