Onthulling van de hoeksteen van het nieuwe hoofdkwartier van de Verenigde Naties in Manhattan, New York Possibly 1949

This photograph captures the cornerstone unveiling of the United Nations headquarters in Manhattan. The cornerstone, a symbolic foundation, resonates deeply with ancient traditions. We see echoes of this in foundation rituals from antiquity, designed to ensure stability and prosperity for new buildings. The image is dominated by the presence of the crowd. The collective gathering speaks to humanity’s shared desire for peace. The assembly of people, arranged in neat rows, becomes a visual symbol of order, recalling the architecture of Roman forums or the gatherings of citizens in Renaissance city squares. These symbols are not static; they are dynamic carriers of cultural memory. Like the twists and turns in a labyrinth, these symbols resurface and evolve, shaped by our collective hopes, fears, and dreams. The layering of cultural meanings in this ceremony is designed to tap into our shared, subconscious desire for a harmonious future.