Panorama van Algiers c. 1880 - 1900

Captured by Étienne Neurdein, this photograph presents a panoramic view of Algiers. The tightly-packed buildings, viewed from above, are pierced by the minarets and domes of mosques. These structures, symbols of spiritual aspiration, remind me of the oculus of the Pantheon, a physical opening to the heavens. Consider how the dome, in its various forms, appears across cultures, from the ancient world to the Renaissance. Brunelleschi’s dome in Florence echoes these celestial connections. This visual language, deeply embedded in our collective memory, speaks to humanity's timeless quest for transcendence. The psychological effect of these architectural forms is significant, as they draw the eye upward. The city as a whole evokes a sense of enclosure, a maze of human activity framed by the sea and sky. These elements engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level, reflecting our complex relationship with the divine. The cyclical progression of this symbol has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.