Dwarsdoorsnedes van de spits van de Santa Maria del Fiore te Florence 1733 - 1755

Bernardo Sansone Sgrilli created this technical drawing of the Santa Maria del Fiore's spire in Florence, Italy, in the 18th century. Observe the cross at the very top; a symbol of salvation and sacrifice, deeply rooted in Christian iconography. But the cross is much older than that, isn’t it? It echoes ancient solar symbols, representing the intersection of the earthly and divine. Now, consider the dome’s structure. It resembles a celestial sphere, a common motif found in cosmological maps and Renaissance art. Just think of the Pantheon's oculus in Rome. It's an opening to the heavens. This connection between architectural spaces and divine order speaks to our collective desire to understand our place in the cosmos. Such symbols evoke powerful emotions, engaging viewers on a subconscious level. Like the cyclical return of symbols, these shapes and forms have resurfaced throughout history, evolving and taking on new meanings, yet still resonating with profound emotional and cultural significance.