Schietgaten van de Burcht van Leiden 1891

This image captures the arrow slits of Leiden Castle, rendered in the stark reality of late 19th-century photography. Above each archway, we see an 'X' formed from brickwork. These are not merely decorative; they evoke a sense of fortification, protection, and defiance, mirroring the castle’s role in the city’s defense. The 'X' motif carries a legacy far beyond Leiden. Think of Saint Andrew, crucified on a saltire cross, or the crossed bones beneath the skull, a memento mori, both symbols serving as potent reminders of mortality and sacrifice. Here, the arrow slits and the 'X' above them tap into the collective memory of sieges and battles, resonating within the subconscious. These are not just architectural details; they are powerful visual cues that stir deep-seated feelings of both fear and resilience. This photograph is a moment caught in time that continues to reverberate through our shared cultural history.