Galerij met oude kunsten op de Exposition Nationale van 1880 in Brussel, België 1880

Ferdinand Fussen captured this image of the Galerie met oude kunsten at the Exposition Nationale of 1880 in Brussels. Here, the cupola stands as a grand symbol of enlightenment and progress. A motif, that if we look to the Renaissance, appears with the rediscovery of classical forms, representing the vault of heaven and divine intellect. Consider the Pantheon in Rome, where the oculus invites the heavens into the earthly realm. This architectural symbol transcends mere structure; it embodies humanity's aspirations for knowledge and understanding. Over time, the cupola evolves. In the Baroque era, it becomes ornate, reflecting a desire for drama and grandeur. In modern times, it stands as a testament to innovation, echoing the cyclical progression of ideas, constantly resurfacing and evolving, laden with historical and cultural significance.