Deur van de kathedraal van Messina 1857 - 1914

This photograph by Giorgio Sommer captures the entrance to Messina Cathedral, showcasing an array of powerful symbols. Above the archway, we see the Lamb of God, a common motif signifying Christ's sacrifice, evoking a sense of divine grace. This same symbol appears in countless forms across Europe in different eras, yet its emotional core remains remarkably consistent. In Jan van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece, for example, the Lamb of God is centrally positioned on an altar, symbolizing purity and redemption. This continuity shows how deeply rooted these symbols are in the collective consciousness. The pointed arch above the door points to a Gothic influence, a symbol of aspiration and the divine, an attempt to reach the heavens. Notice how the carvings surrounding the doorway lend a sense of depth, like memories emerging from the stone itself. It's a testament to the endurance and adaptability of symbols through time.