Untitled c. 1911

This vintage photograph by Spooner & Wells captures an automobile, a symbol of modernity and progress at the turn of the century. The automobile’s wheel is a prominent motif here, reminiscent of the ancient wheel of fortune. It's a symbol that speaks to our aspirations, promising to change our destiny as it carries us toward new horizons. Yet, the wheel is also a potent reminder of life's cyclical nature, a theme echoed in countless mythologies. Think of the Buddhist Dharma wheel, representing the endless cycle of birth and rebirth. The design of this car wheel, with its many spokes, mirrors the sun, another ancient symbol that resonates with themes of energy, renewal, and the passage of time. In the modern context, the automobile’s wheel embodies the human desire for control over destiny, a psychological drive as old as civilization itself. It represents humanity’s eternal quest to transcend limitations. While technology changes, the underlying human desire remains constant, echoing across history.