Illuminationen i Horsens 1749

Poul Isac Grønvold etched this illumination in Horsens, likely using copper, in the 18th century. The scene pulses with symbols of power and celebration. Look at the illuminated archway; triumphal arches, like this, trace back to ancient Rome, marking victories and imperial authority. Here, it frames not a conquering army, but a festive gathering, a softened, domesticated triumph. Notice the illuminated windows. Each light is a beacon, a modern hearth, far removed from flickering cave fires yet linked by the shared human impulse to ward off the darkness, both literal and existential. Consider how the image might evoke a sense of collective joy but also hints at the structures of power that underpin such displays. Like a recurring dream, the archway reappears in various guises throughout history, a persistent echo of Roman grandeur. This display of light and structure touches something deep within us, a collective memory of seeking warmth and security in a world often shrouded in shadow.