Study of Rocks 1811 - 1893

John William Casilear made this 'Study of Rocks' with graphite on paper. The rocks themselves are symbols of endurance and the sublime. Consider the stone, a universal emblem of steadfastness. In ancient Greece, the omphalos stone marked Delphi as the navel of the world, a focal point of cosmic order. This connects to images of the Ark of the Covenant in ancient Judaism, and the Kaaba stone in Islam, all serving as points of convergence. These massive forms inspire awe and reflect our deep-seated fascination with the monumental and eternal. They echo the power of nature, embodying a sense of stability and permanence in a world of constant flux. Notice how this motif of rocks has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts. The eternal return.