Dimensions: height 219 mm, width 290 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
These photographs of Graaff Reinet, captured by Sam Alexander, reveal a compelling interplay between human settlement and the dominating landscape. Note how the town nestles at the foot of imposing mountains. This positioning echoes a recurring motif throughout art history: the sacred mountain. From Mount Olympus in Greek mythology to Mount Sinai in Judeo-Christian tradition, mountains symbolize transcendence and divine connection. Here, the mountain looms, a silent witness to human endeavor. Consider the emotional weight of such a symbol. On one hand, the mountain offers protection; on the other, it reminds of the smallness of human existence against the vastness of nature. This tension is not unique, it has appeared across cultures, reappearing and adapting to each society's psychological and spiritual needs. The mountain persists, as a powerful force shaping our understanding of the world.
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