Panel from the Palace of Westminster 1842 - 1852

This oak panel was crafted by Augustus Pugin for the Palace of Westminster, and presents a series of pointed arches, each reaching upwards. These arches, echoing Gothic architecture, symbolize aspiration and divine connection, much like the pointed spires of cathedrals that pierce the sky, inviting us to look toward the heavens. The pointed arch, a fundamental motif, can be traced back through history, appearing in Islamic architecture and even earlier forms. Pugin draws on this potent symbol, infusing it with renewed vigor. Like a phoenix rising from ashes, these arches reflect the Victorian era’s yearning for spiritual and architectural revival. The emotional resonance lies in their ability to stir a deep, subconscious connection to a rich cultural past. The arches' non-linear progression and cyclical resurgence highlights how symbols morph and adapt, yet retain their power to resonate across eras.