From the series "Reflections" 1930

Jaromír Funke captured this image from the series "Reflections" using photography, a medium that, in its infancy, was seen as a tool to capture reality. The photograph presents a stark contrast between interior darkness and exterior light, a motif laden with symbolism. The window acts as a threshold, a concept deeply embedded in our cultural psyche, representing the passage from the known to the unknown. In many cultures, windows are more than architectural features; they are symbolic eyes, offering a glimpse into different realities, connecting interior private worlds with public, exterior existences. Consider how the depiction of thresholds echoes in art throughout history, from the doors in Renaissance paintings signifying new beginnings to the dark entries in surrealist works evoking subconscious exploration. This symbolic juxtaposition isn't merely aesthetic; it taps into our collective memory, triggering an emotional response. It reminds us that symbols never truly disappear; they resurface, evolve, and engage with us on a subconscious level.