Schoenmakers in een soek, vermoedelijk in het Medina van Tunis 1860 - 1900

This photograph, taken by Albert, captures a street scene in what is believed to be the Medina of Tunis. The arched passageway acts as a powerful symbolic space, common in many cultures to denote transitions, passages, and hidden worlds. The symmetry of the corridor draws the eye, creating a sense of depth and mystery. These arches can be found echoed in the arcades of Bologna or Renaissance paintings, portals to new perspectives or spiritual enlightenment. The idea of the arch transcends mere architecture, becoming a recurring motif in the human quest for meaning and understanding. The image taps into the collective memory of urban spaces as places of both refuge and opportunity. As the eye travels deeper into the tunnel, we see a distant light. Is this a metaphor for hope, rebirth, or perhaps merely the continuation of a daily routine? It is a profound question that resonates deeply within the collective consciousness of the human experience.