Gezicht op de kaap van Sant'Andrea bij Taormina, Italië 1851 - 1900

Giovanni Crupi captured this view of the Cape of Sant'Andrea near Taormina in Italy with photography. The jagged cliffs and serene waters present nature as a powerful, yet calming force. Note the small island emerging from the water, a motif resonating across cultures. Think of Arnold Böcklin's "Isle of the Dead," where a similar island evokes a sense of finality and introspection. These islands, isolated yet resilient, appear in art across the ages. They often symbolize the subconscious, a place of refuge, or a barrier between worlds. The island is a symbol passed down through history, shifting in meaning, from a sacred place to the island of the dead or, more recently, a holiday destination. This potent imagery taps into our collective memory, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical progression of this symbol continues as the island resurfaces in modern art and imagination, constantly evolving, yet forever tied to its primal origins.