Kanonnen op de Plains of Abraham, Québec 1924 - 1926

J. Dearden Holmes captured this stereo card image of the cannons on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec. Here, we see cannons, symbols of power and conflict, resting silently on the grounds where a historic battle once raged. Cannons as instruments of war appear throughout history, from ancient siege weaponry to modern artillery, each iteration bearing witness to human conflict. Yet, these cannons, now still, remind me of the cyclical nature of history. The dormant tree in the image perhaps represents the potential for renewal and growth, contrasting with the destructive force the cannons once represented. Consider how the visual metaphor of weaponry evolves: from the spears of antiquity to the firearms of the modern era, each reflects technological advancement and shifts in power dynamics. They all evoke primal fears and aspirations, tapping into our collective memory of conflict and survival. The cannons, therefore, transcend their physical presence. They become symbols, resonating with the past and hinting at the future.