Edicola Fossati, Cimitero Monumentale, Milaan, Italië c. 1860 - 1890

This striking photograph captures the Edicola Fossati, a funerary monument in Milan's Cimitero Monumentale. Its architecture is adorned with crosses and the image of a saint, symbols deeply rooted in Christian iconography. The cross, of course, transcends mere religious identity. It is an ancient cosmic symbol of the four cardinal points and the intersection of the earthly and divine. Likewise, the saint's image is not just a portrait. Consider how the saint portrayed relates to the cultural memory of those interred here, or for whom this monument was erected. The symbol evokes a connection to a lineage of faith and virtue, much like the ancestral masks of classical antiquity. Such symbols tap into our deepest subconscious, offering solace and continuity, as well as a deep cultural narrative. Through centuries, these symbols persist, proving our unyielding need to connect with something beyond our brief existence.