Chinese paviljoen op de Wereldtentoonstelling van 1878 1878

Adolphe Block captured this stereoscopic image of the Chinese Pavilion at the 1878 World's Fair in Paris. Here, the pavilion's architecture speaks volumes. Notice the prominent archway. For centuries, arches have served as symbols of transition and passage. They echo the triumphal arches of ancient Rome, adapted here in a Chinese context, symbolizing cultural exchange. This form is a powerful expression, engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level. Consider how the arch motif has journeyed through time. From its roots in Roman power, it re-emerges in Gothic cathedrals, and here, in a Chinese pavilion. This echoes a psychological need for structure and transcendence. The cultural memory embedded in this architectural form is undeniable. The cyclical progression of symbols demonstrates how they resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings across different historical contexts.