Cairo; looking west. 1846 - 1849

David Roberts created this print, "Cairo; looking west," capturing the vast cityscape with its minarets and domes under a hazy sky. The pyramids loom distantly, archaic symbols of eternity and power. The minaret, an architectural beacon for the call to prayer, evokes a connection between the earthly and the divine, a motif that echoes through history. Think of the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia, or the towers of Babel, each striving to bridge the gap between humanity and the heavens. The dome, another prominent feature, has been used across cultures from Roman mausoleums to Christian basilicas, symbolizing the cosmos and divine protection. These shapes engage us on a visceral level, tapping into our collective memory. They represent our enduring quest for meaning, order, and connection with something greater than ourselves. The recurrence of these forms throughout history underscores our shared psychological landscape, revealing the enduring power of symbols to transcend time and culture.