Place de la Concorde in Parijs before 1840

This print by A. Provost depicts the Place de la Concorde, its focal point being the ancient obelisk of Luxor. This obelisk, erected in the heart of Paris, acts as a sun symbol, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian solar worship and power. We see how it has been repurposed in a new context to symbolize authority and national pride. The obelisk's journey from Egypt to France mirrors the migration of symbols across cultures, reflecting a collective human need to connect with ancient roots and traditions. The placement of this singular object in the bustling Place de la Concorde may reflect a yearning for stability. This may be rooted in collective memory and a need for order amidst chaos, tapping into a deep, subconscious desire for meaning and permanence. The cyclical nature of symbols is evident; the obelisk, an ancient emblem, resurfaces in a modern setting, acquiring new layers of meaning.