Entrée van de kathedraal van Palermo 1865 - 1875

This photograph by Giovanni Crupi captures the grand entrance of the Palermo Cathedral. Notice the statues, the arches, and the decorative motifs, each laden with meaning that transcends mere aesthetics. The arches, for instance, are not just architectural features, but echo ancient Roman triumphal arches, symbols of power and dominion adapted into the Christian context to signify spiritual triumph. The statues atop the cathedral facade, likely saints or biblical figures, serve as intermediaries between the earthly and divine realms. Think of similar figures found guarding temples in ancient Greece, now repurposed in a Christian setting. It’s as if the collective memory of these forms resurfaces, transformed yet retaining its primal power to evoke awe and reverence. This visual language engages us on a subconscious level. Each motif is a cultural echo resonating through time.