Gezicht op Altenahr en de ruïne van Burg Are in het Ahrdal, Duitsland 1869 - 1872

Johann Friedrich Stiehm captured this stereo card of Altenahr and Burg Are in the Ahr Valley, likely using the collodion process. Dominating the scene is the symbol of the cross, repeated throughout the landscape. The cross here is more than a mere marker; it’s a complex emblem of faith, memory, and perhaps even sacrifice. Think of the Ankh in ancient Egypt, a symbol of life, or the Chi Rho, adopted by early Christians as a symbol of Christ. Here, the crosses punctuate the scene. Consider how such symbols evolve. The swastika, for instance, once a benign symbol of prosperity, was tragically twisted into a sign of hatred and destruction. Similarly, the repeated use of the cross throughout this landscape could represent a collective desire for redemption and a deeply rooted connection to Christian heritage. It’s a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, triggering emotions tied to faith and remembrance. Thus, the cross, like any enduring symbol, undergoes constant metamorphosis, reflecting our ever-changing human experience.