Gezicht op een rotswand aan de oostkant van Beqa before 1899

This photograph captures a rock wall on the east side of Beqa by Maximilian Agassiz. Consider the imposing cliffs that dominate this view. Rock formations such as this are a recurring motif throughout cultures, seen as symbols of strength, endurance, and the sublime power of nature. They are a meeting place between the earthly and the cosmic, inspiring awe and a sense of the eternal. Think back to the ancient Greek myths of Mount Olympus, the home of the gods, or the sacred mountains in Shinto tradition. The emotional impact of such natural formations is not merely aesthetic; it touches something deeper in the human psyche. Mountains and cliffs tap into our collective memory, evoking feelings of reverence and a recognition of forces beyond our control. From the romantic visions of Caspar David Friedrich to the modern-day landscape photography, this symbol has undergone a metamorphosis, its core essence unchanged. It represents a psychological anchor, a reminder of the enduring power and mystery of the natural world that continues to resonate through the ages.