Gezicht op Pisa c. 1850 - 1880

This albumen print of Pisa was captured by Enrico van Lint sometime in the mid-19th century. At first glance, it is a simple cityscape. However, dominating the horizon are the curved domes of the churches, the same domes we see in the Hagia Sophia. Domes, symbols of heaven and divinity, find their origins in ancient Rome and Byzantium, representing the cosmos above. They evoke a sense of awe, aiming to connect the earthly and divine realms. These curved structures invite us to reflect on the enduring human quest for meaning and spiritual connection that transcends time. This pursuit, etched in stone, has become a profound and ever-evolving symbol, reflecting our collective consciousness through the ages.