Mauritshuis, gezien vanaf de Hofvijver in Den Haag 1904

This photograph by James Higson captures the Mauritshuis as seen from the Hofvijver in The Hague. The building's facade presents a fascinating study in classical architectural symbols. Consider the triangular pediment atop the building, a motif tracing back to ancient Greek temples. Originally, these were spaces to honor the gods, filled with sculptures depicting mythological stories. In Higson's photograph, the pediment speaks to the enduring human desire for order and structure. This architectural symbol transcends its original religious context. The pediment, like other classical elements, resurfaces throughout history, adapting to new cultural landscapes, from Renaissance palaces to Neoclassical monuments. It reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols, how they are continuously reinterpreted and imbued with new meanings. Even in a modern photograph, the echo of ancient forms resonates, engaging our collective memory.