Puerta del Este 1935

Xul Solar painted "Puerta del Este" with watercolor, likely in the early to mid-20th century. A monumental, sun-like face looms, its gaze both watchful and serene, perhaps echoing ancient solar deities revered across cultures. Notice the figures ascending ladders, a motif reminiscent of Jacob's Ladder, symbolizing spiritual ascent and connection between earthly and celestial realms. These ladders appear in diverse spiritual traditions, from ancient Egyptian art to Persian miniatures, each reflecting a culture's yearning for divine communion. Consider how the act of climbing, laden with psychological weight, embodies our collective desire for transcendence. Much like the figures in alchemical illustrations, these ascending souls strive for transformation, mirroring our internal quest for enlightenment. The ladders, therefore, serve as potent symbols of striving, hope, and the universal human journey toward self-realization. Each symbol’s cyclical return and evolution are a testament to the enduring power of cultural memory.