Gezicht op een huis aan de Brink in Deventer before 1880

Here, we have an anonymous photograph of a house on the Brink in Deventer, with particular attention given to its façade. Notice the semicircular tympana above each window, a classical motif that suggests a connection to ancient architectural traditions. The semicircular shape, with its radiating lines, echoes the form of a rising sun, a symbol of rebirth and enlightenment found in various cultures. It is not dissimilar to the nimbus, the radiant cloud that surrounds the heads of divine figures in religious art across cultures and throughout history. From the halo of a Buddha to the aureola of a Christian saint, this motif suggests transcendence and spiritual power. This symbol has undergone transformations, yet it is a reminder that our conscious and unconscious minds are always present. The image invokes a profound sense of familiarity, drawing on collective memory and subconscious recognition of archetypal symbols. This enduring architectural element resonates deeply, reminding us of our shared human experience and the persistent influence of the past.