[Tomb of the Virgin, Jerusalem] 1860s

Here we see John Anthony’s photographic rendering of the Tomb of the Virgin in Jerusalem from the 19th century. The rounded arch, a dominant feature, is an ancient architectural symbol of transition and passage. This arch motif, seen here as the literal gateway to the Tomb, echoes across millennia in triumphal arches and church portals alike. Its symbolic weight hearkens back to the Roman Empire as a signifier of triumph and imperial power, while its adoption into early Christian architecture marks a spiritual transition, a gateway to the divine. The arch form has transformed from a celebration of earthly power to a symbol of divine connection, yet the underlying psychological impact remains: it is a passage through which we are invited to cross. This photograph serves as a potent reminder that symbols evolve, and we continue to imbue them with our hopes, fears, and aspirations.