U.S. Treasury by J. F. Jarvis

U.S. Treasury c. late 19th century

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silver, print, photography, gelatin-silver-print, architecture

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16_19th-century

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silver

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neoclassicism

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print

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retro 'vintage design

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photography

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gelatin-silver-print

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cityscape

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architecture

Dimensions: 7.9 × 7.6 cm (each image); 8.6 × 17.6 cm (card)

Copyright: Public Domain

This stereoscopic view of the U.S. Treasury, captured by J. F. Jarvis, presents a powerful architectural statement, one that borrows heavily from the visual language of ancient Greece. Note the imposing columns, the triangular pediment; these are not mere aesthetic choices. They evoke the ideals of democracy, reason, and order that the Founding Fathers sought to emulate. These visual cues act as a bridge, connecting the aspirations of a new nation with the perceived glory of classical antiquity. We can trace this architectural symbolism through time, from the temples of Greece to the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. Each era imbued these forms with new layers of meaning, yet the core association with power and stability remains. This classical architecture taps into our collective memory, stirring feelings of reverence and respect. It’s a potent reminder of the weight we assign to symbols, and the stories they tell across generations.

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