Rebecca Salsbury Strand 1922

This is a photograph by Alfred Stieglitz, showing the hands of Rebecca Salsbury Strand holding a dark, reflective sphere. The orb, cradled with utmost care, evokes a sense of hidden knowledge, or potential. The motif of holding a sphere has a rich history across cultures. Think of the globus cruciger, symbolizing dominion, or the alchemist’s crystal ball, a window into unseen worlds. Here, the gesture of cupping the sphere resonates with an ancient longing to understand and control fate, a gesture echoed in countless depictions of deities and rulers throughout history. The symbolism of hands is equally compelling. Hands can be seen everywhere from ancient votive offerings to Renaissance paintings, as symbols of power, benediction, or supplication. In Stieglitz's photograph, the hands cradle the orb, expressing vulnerability and intimate connection. The orb and the hands: a powerful symbol, which will resurface and evolve, reflecting our persistent quest for meaning and foresight.