['Aqueduct in open cut no. 14', 'Aqueduct in open cut no. 18'] before 1887

Here we see a photographic print by P.K. Yates, titled 'Aqueduct in open cut no. 14' and 'Aqueduct in open cut no. 18', which present us with potent symbols of creation and connectivity. The aqueduct, as a conduit of water, speaks to civilization’s lifeblood, a symbol deeply rooted in ancient Roman engineering prowess and their ambition to master nature. Notice how the aqueduct's arch mirrors a gateway. This architectural motif echoes the triumphal arches of antiquity, signifying not only the literal passage of water but also the symbolic passage from one state to another, evoking ideas of progress and transformation. Consider also the recurring image of the tunnel, a motif seen throughout history, from ancient catacombs to modern transportation systems. The tunnel can be interpreted as a metaphor for the unconscious mind, a dark and mysterious space that holds the secrets of the human psyche. The image powerfully engages the viewer on a subconscious level, stirring feelings of awe and wonder, and leaving us to reflect on the cyclical nature of human innovation. It suggests that we are bound to our past, and will keep building on it.