Paviljoens aan de Seine op de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1889 in Parijs, met de Eiffeltoren op de achtergrond 1889

This photograph by Neurdein Frères captures the Pavilions at the 1889 Paris Exposition, with the Eiffel Tower looming in the background. The tower, a modern obelisk, is the most striking symbol, embodying progress and industrial might. Yet, it also echoes ancient aspirations, reminding us of the Tower of Babel, a symbol of human ambition and hubris. Throughout history, towers have signified power—consider the minarets of Islamic architecture or the civic towers of medieval Italy. The Eiffel Tower, however, is a secular beacon, a testament to human ingenuity. This architectural marvel mirrors humanity's endless quest for innovation, progress, and reaching for the heavens. The pavilions themselves, adorned with flags, speak to a collective desire for unity and identity, harking back to ancient Roman standards or medieval heraldry. These symbols, though modernized, tap into deep-seated emotional yearnings for belonging and advancement, powerfully engaging us on a subconscious level. These motifs reveal a non-linear path, resurfacing and evolving to reflect the changing values and aspirations of each age.