Achterzijde van de Votiefkerk in Wenen, Oostenrijk 1879 - 1891

This albumen print captures the Votivkirche in Vienna, revealing its Gothic Revival architecture through the lens of Hermann Heid. Notice the spires reaching towards the sky, each crowned with a cross. These are not merely architectural details; they are potent symbols of faith. Consider the cross. Its origins trace back to ancient symbols of cosmic order. Over time, it has been adopted and transformed, most notably by Christianity to symbolize sacrifice and redemption. The cross has appeared in many forms and cultures, from ancient Egyptian Ankhs to variations in pre-Christian Europe, embodying different spiritual concepts. The architectural choice of Gothic revival, with its soaring heights and pointed arches, evokes a reaching towards the divine. This reflects a deep psychological need to connect with something beyond our immediate reality. Such constructions, like the Votivkirche, tap into collective memories. The cross, the spire, the arch — all recur throughout history. They remind us of humanity's enduring quest for meaning and transcendence.