Kapel van het gasthuis te Rhenen 1909

This photograph, taken in March 1909 by an anonymous photographer, captures the Chapel of the Gasthuis in Rhenen. The barred window, a dominant symbol, speaks of enclosure. Consider how the motif of the barred window appears across time, from medieval dungeons to modern prisons. What does it signify? At its base, it represents confinement. Yet, depending on the context, it might also suggest protection, or even a perverse kind of sanctuary. There is a deep, collective unease associated with the barred window. Subconsciously, it evokes the primal fear of being trapped. Yet, we see iterations of it across centuries and cultures. This photograph of the Chapel of the Gasthuis is not merely an architectural document; it is a testament to the enduring power of symbols, and the profound ways in which they shape our understanding of the world.