The Pantheon 

Victor Jean Nicolle rendered this watercolor of the Pantheon in Rome. Observe the obelisk standing proudly before the Pantheon's entrance, a symbol laden with meaning. Originally, obelisks were ancient Egyptian symbols of the sun god Ra, representing stability, regeneration, and the power of the sun. Their presence in Rome began with the emperors, who brought them back as trophies of conquest. Here, the obelisk serves as a link between pagan antiquity and Christian Rome, topped with a cross, thereby transforming the ancient symbol of the sun into an emblem of Christian triumph. The image powerfully blends historical layers. Consider how ancient symbols persist, transformed yet recognizable, within our collective memory. The obelisk, now marked with the cross, engages our subconscious understanding of power, endurance, and faith, demonstrating how images evolve across time and cultures.