Sutro Tunnel Shaft No. 2 1875

Carleton Watkins captured "Sutro Tunnel Shaft No. 2" with his camera, freezing a moment of the American West. The Sutro Tunnel, a feat of engineering, pierces the earth, promising access to untold riches. Look at the tunnel entrance, this dark void, reminiscent of ancient myths where caves lead to the underworld. The rugged landscape, however, bears a striking resemblance to Caspar David Friedrich's Romantic landscapes, echoing the sublime power of nature. This, however, is not an untouched vista, but rather a landscape scarred by human ambition. Consider, how this piercing of the earth is reminiscent of the story of Pandora’s box. The human desire to delve deeper, to extract hidden treasures. This image is more than just a record; it's a symbol of the relentless pursuit of wealth, forever altering both the land and our collective psyche. Just as the serpent in the Garden of Eden promised knowledge, the mine promises riches, but at what cost?