Graaff Reinet before 1880

Here, we have two photographs of Graaff Reinet, meticulously placed in an album by Sam Alexander. The scene is dominated by the town laid out before a range of mountains. Mountains are a profound symbol, recurring across cultures, representing stability, endurance, and the sublime power of nature. Recall Caspar David Friedrich’s wanderer gazing upon a landscape – that solitary figure embodies our emotional response to nature's grandeur. Consider, too, that mountains were often seen as sacred sites, the dwelling places of gods, such as Mount Olympus. Over time, this sacred symbolism has evolved, yet the emotional impact remains. We find ourselves, like those before us, drawn to the mountains' formidable presence, a testament to our enduring, collective memory. These photographs encapsulate a powerful visual narrative, engaging us on a deeply subconscious level, inviting reflection on our place within the vast expanse of time and landscape.