Chicago Worlds Fair 

Thomas Moran captured the grandeur of the Chicago World's Fair in this watercolor. The dome, a prominent feature, echoes structures like the Pantheon in Rome, symbolizing knowledge, power, and enlightenment. The dome is a universal symbol, a shape found in tombs and places of worship across cultures. It speaks to humankind's eternal aspirations. Think of the Hagia Sophia, a beacon of Byzantine ingenuity, or the Florence Cathedral, a testament to Renaissance ambition. These domes are not mere architectural features but potent symbols of humanity's reach toward the divine. The presence of water in the foreground should not be overlooked. Since ancient times, water represents purification and rebirth. The mirroring of the buildings in the water enhances the dreamlike quality, drawing us into a collective yearning for progress, order, and renewal. Just as water erodes stone over time, cultural symbols evolve, shaped by generations.