Glacier stream on the Eismeer before 1866

Here, in Ernest Edwards’s "Glacier Stream on the Eismeer," made during the late 19th century, we encounter the sublime power of nature rendered through the then-emerging medium of photography. The rushing water, the jagged rocks, and the imposing ice evoke the grandeur of the natural world. This image brings to mind other depictions of nature's force, such as those found in the Romantic paintings of Caspar David Friedrich, where nature is depicted as both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Like the symbol of the Ouroboros—the snake eating its own tail—the glacier here represents a cycle of destruction and renewal. Ice creates and erodes the landscape simultaneously. This symbol echoes through history, from ancient alchemical texts to modern psychological theories, representing the eternal return and the cyclical nature of existence. Our emotional response to this scene—a mix of fear, wonder, and humility—engages us on a visceral level, reminding us of our small place within the vast cosmos. It is a powerful force that resonates with our deepest subconscious understanding of life's rhythms.