Gezicht op de Notre Dame de la Garde te Marseille 1870 - 1900

This photograph by Étienne Neurdein captures the Notre Dame de la Garde in Marseille, a basilica crowned by a statue of the Virgin Mary. This figure is not merely an effigy; it’s a beacon of hope and protection, a role deeply rooted in the ancient world’s understanding of divine guardianship. We see echoes of this in the protective goddesses of antiquity, like the Greek Athena, often depicted standing tall, shielding her city. The Virgin Mary assumes a similar posture here, watching over Marseille, her arms perhaps open in blessing or embrace. This gesture, resonant across cultures, evokes both maternal care and divine authority, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Consider how this symbolism transcends time, appearing in various forms throughout history. The act of placing a protective figure above a city is a recurring motif, its emotional power a constant through the ages. It is not just a symbol; it's a cultural memory, resurfacing and evolving, its essence unchanged.