Gezicht op het Neues Palais te Potsdam gezien vanaf de tuin 1755 - 1779

This is an engraving of the Neues Palais in Potsdam made by the Kaiserlich Franziskische Akademie. Notice the rigid symmetry of the palace and its gardens; a clear reflection of the Enlightenment’s emphasis on order and reason. Consider how the palace and gardens are designed to evoke feelings of awe and submission. This visual language of power is not unique. Think of the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia, or the vast cathedrals of medieval Europe, each designed to impress upon the viewer a sense of higher authority, whether divine or earthly. Throughout history, rulers and institutions have employed similar architectural strategies to communicate power. These grandiose structures tap into our collective memory, subconsciously reminding us of hierarchies and power dynamics, engaging our emotions on a primal, almost instinctual level. The symbolic and psychological weight embedded in architectural forms persists, influencing our perceptions and behaviors across time.