Doorsnede van de kerk van Richelieu 1629 - 1679

Jean Marot's print offers us a precise cross-section of the church of Richelieu. The rhythmic repetition of arched windows and the soaring steeple speak to faith's architectural ambition. The arch, a motif found in Roman aqueducts and Gothic cathedrals alike, transcends mere structure. It becomes a symbol of connection, a reaching towards the heavens, and here, its recurrence suggests a sacred echo. This echo resonates through time, appearing in mosques, temples, and even modern monuments. It’s a form rooted in our collective architectural memory, a visual language passed down, each iteration layered with new cultural significance. Consider the steeple: not just a marker of place, but a point of aspiration. Like an obelisk or minaret, it pierces the sky, symbolizing humanity's eternal longing for transcendence. This impulse, deeply embedded in the psyche, drives the creation of such forms, which in turn, reinforce our spiritual yearnings. The forms are not linear, but cyclical. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings, eternally embedded in our collective consciousness.