Old St. Paul's Cathedral, London, seen from the East 1656 - 1658

Wenceslaus Hollar rendered this drawing of Old St. Paul's Cathedral in London with pen and brown ink. Dominating the structure is the rose window, a powerful symbol found in various iterations across many Gothic cathedrals. It serves not only as an architectural marvel but also as a profound metaphor for the cosmos. The rose window is an ancient symbol that predates Christianity, appearing in ancient Roman and Hellenistic cultures as rosette patterns. Its adoption by Christian architects during the Gothic era was a deliberate choice, associating the cathedral with a divine order and harmony. The symbol resonates with a subconscious desire for wholeness, akin to the Jungian concept of the mandala, which represents the self's quest for integration. The echoing of past symbols in new forms speaks to our shared human consciousness. This symbol has evolved through history, reflecting humanity's persistent need to find unity and meaning, continuing to evoke awe and contemplation across time.