[Part of the Exterior of the St. Paul's Cathedral, Calcutta] 1850s

Captain R. B. Hill captured this section of St. Paul's Cathedral in Calcutta using photography. Its neo-Gothic architecture, with pointed arches and ribbed vaults, echoes a yearning for the sacred, reminiscent of European cathedrals reaching towards divine light. Observe how the cross, a powerful emblem of sacrifice and redemption, is subtly placed above the entrance. This symbol transcends its immediate religious context, appearing in various forms throughout history, from ancient solar symbols to heraldic crests. In each context, the cross carries the weight of cultural memory, evoking notions of suffering, salvation, and spiritual transcendence. The cathedral's imposing facade stirs deep emotions, reminding us of humanity's quest for meaning and connection to the divine. It’s a testament to how symbols can transcend time, continuously reappearing and evolving, carrying echoes of the past into the present.