Langsdoorsnede van het Palazzo Spinola te Genua 1622

Nicolaes Ryckmans' cross-section of the Palazzo Spinola in Genoa presents a fascinating look at domestic space. Most striking are the arched ceilings that dominate the lower levels, motifs that speak to a grand, classical heritage. These arches, repeated throughout the structure, echo the Roman use of the arch as a symbol of power and order, reappearing in triumphal arches and aqueducts across Europe. The arch is not merely a structural element; it is a gesture towards permanence and authority. Consider how the arch has morphed across cultures, from sacred entrances to cathedrals to the simple curves in domestic architecture, each use carries a whisper of its original connotations, a collective memory of strength and stability. Perhaps, unconsciously, these forms evoke feelings of security and enclosure, tapping into a deep-seated human need for shelter. Ultimately, the recurrence of the arch in Ryckmans' work—and throughout history—demonstrates the enduring power of symbols and their capacity to engage us on levels both conscious and deeply embedded within our cultural psyche.