Portal, Rotunda of San Tomè, Bergamo, Italy 1100

Editor: This is a photograph of the "Portal, Rotunda of San Tomè, Bergamo, Italy," dating back to 1100. The Romanesque carving above the door looks so worn down, yet so captivating, I think, to look at art and buildings with such age. I wonder how different my perception of its age is from someone back then, of it when it was newer! What strikes you most about this particular doorway? Curator: Well, first, I think you nailed it by pointing out the sense of temporal layering. Think about this: stone is speaking to us across centuries. Does it whisper or shout? I think it depends on the light, the observer... and maybe what they ate for breakfast. But seriously, what catches my eye is how this doorway, like a miniature stage, presents a worldview. It's not just a way in; it's a declaration of beliefs, power, perhaps a hint of fear of the unknown. Editor: Declaration, yes! Like, a homeowner today putting up a flag, but way more meaningful… Fear? I am curious! Curator: Absolutely. See the relief carvings above the lintel? We have figures almost dancing amongst Celtic knots, a blend of sacred and potentially pagan symbolism that's so characteristic of the Romanesque period, where the old world brushes against the new faith. Don't you feel there is an uncertainty reflected? A certain…hesitation to commit? Or maybe I am projecting? Editor: No, I think I see that hesitation you describe, that lack of commitment... or rather, the blend of elements from different sources to give the viewer more symbols to connect with… Thank you! It seems like these carvings provide a lens through which to view a pivotal shift in history.