Gezicht op het Palais des Tuileries te Parijs before 1871

Edouard Baldus captured this photograph of the Palais des Tuileries in Paris using a paper negative. Observe the Palace, a symbol of power, adorned with a dome, an architectural feature that, since ancient times, has signified divine authority and imperial might. Think of the Pantheon in Rome, its dome a testament to the gods' dominion over the earthly realm. Here, the dome atop the Tuileries speaks to the aspirations of French rulers, echoing the grandeur of past empires. Yet, what does it mean when photographed? Photography strips away the aura of uniqueness traditionally associated with art. The photographic image invites us to reflect on the nature of power, its representation, and its dissemination. The emotional weight of such symbols engages us on a subconscious level, blending collective memory with the immediate experience of viewing. This photograph makes visible a non-linear progression, a resurfacing and evolving of symbols, taking on new meanings in ever-shifting historical contexts.