Sketch of Breaking Waves (from Sketchbook VII) 1886

William Trost Richards rendered this sketch of breaking waves with graphite on paper. In this sketch, the wave is more than mere water; it is a symbol of primal force and relentless energy. Consider how waves have been depicted across cultures. From ancient Greek pottery, where waves encircle scenes of heroic voyages, to the tumultuous seas of Hokusai’s woodblock prints, water embodies both life-giving potential and destructive power. This duality reflects our own internal struggles, a push and pull between order and chaos, safety and danger. Think of the wave as a visual formula—its cresting form and eventual collapse speaking to the cyclical nature of existence. What is this power that draws us to the ocean's edge? It's the recognition of a shared rhythm, the pulse of nature echoing within our very being. Like the eternal return of Nietzsche, this image offers a glimpse into the profound connection between the external world and our internal, often subconscious, lives.