Stadsgezicht van Londen c. 1860 - 1915

This print depicts St. Paul's Cathedral, its classical facade proclaiming order and faith. The dome, a symbol of heaven, rises above the city, drawing the eye upward to the promise of the divine. Consider the columns, reminiscent of ancient temples, now supporting a Christian edifice. This appropriation of classical forms is no accident. It reflects a recurring impulse to legitimize new beliefs by linking them to the past, a phenomenon we see echoed across cultures and epochs. The cathedral’s imposing presence is a testament to the enduring power of architecture to shape collective memory and assert cultural dominance. Think back to the Pantheon in Rome, with its own dome reaching for the heavens. The impulse to build structures that inspire awe and reverence transcends any one religion, revealing our shared human desire to connect with something greater than ourselves. This deep-seated aspiration manifests itself in ever-evolving forms throughout history.