Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid van de Sorbonne in Parijs before 1840

This print depicts the Faculty of Law of the Sorbonne in Paris. The classical architectural style immediately strikes one as significant, especially its Doric columns. Consider the symbolism of these columns: In ancient Greece, they represented strength and stability, qualities deemed essential for the foundations of law and order. We see this motif echoed throughout history—from the Roman forum, where laws were debated, to the neoclassical buildings of Washington D.C. The repetition of this architectural language underscores a deep-seated human desire for justice and societal equilibrium. Yet, isn't it curious how the same symbols can be repurposed? These Doric columns, initially emblems of democracy, were later embraced by empires and authoritarian regimes as symbols of power and legitimacy. This cyclical progression reveals how cultural symbols are continuously reinterpreted, reflecting our ever-evolving collective consciousness. The emotional weight of the image resonates through its visual cues, triggering memories and anxieties tied to the complex interplay between law, authority, and society.