A Border Tower 1894

David Young Cameron created this etching, "A Border Tower," at the end of the nineteenth century. The most prominent visual element is the tower itself, a symbol deeply rooted in centuries of defensive architecture. The tower's stoic presence speaks to more than just physical defense; it is a psychological bulwark against the unknown, embodying a timeless human need for security and control. Think of similar structures across different cultures and times. The defensive walls of ancient Jericho, the Roman castra, and medieval castles all represent a continuous need for protection. In our collective memory, these structures evoke feelings of safety, but also of isolation and the threat of external forces. These are primal feelings which remain embedded in our subconscious. These symbols are not fixed; they evolve. Consider, for instance, how the watchtowers of the past have transformed into the skyscrapers of today. Though superficially different, both fulfill a similar psychological role. They represent power, security, and aspiration, embodying the cyclical nature of human needs and desires.