Twee gezichten op forten te Mantsjoerije Possibly 1894

This photographic print, created by the Ordnance Survey Office, presents two views of the forts in Manchuria. The images, stark in their depiction, capture not just the physical structures but also the symbolic weight of fortifications. Consider the archway present in one view. Throughout history, arches have signified transitions, gateways to new realms, both physical and spiritual. From Roman triumphal arches to religious iconography, the arch embodies passage and transformation. Here, it is a literal entrance to a fort, but it also hints at the psychological transition from peace to war, safety to danger. The stones, fragmented and worn, echo the cyclical nature of destruction and rebuilding, much like the recurring motifs of ruins in Renaissance art, reminding us of the transient nature of human achievement. This visual language of decay resonates deeply, engaging our subconscious fears and anxieties about mortality and the impermanence of power. The image evokes a visceral response, connecting us to the universal human experience of conflict and the enduring quest for security.