Westgevel van de kathedraal te Wells c. 1855 - 1865

This photograph by Roger Fenton captures the West Front of Wells Cathedral, presenting its facade as a monumental tapestry of stone. Observe how the multitude of statues, each set within its niche, covers the surface. These figures represent a celestial hierarchy, echoing the medieval worldview where the sacred populated every corner of existence. The pointed arches and spires reach heavenward, visually embodying mankind's spiritual aspirations. Such architectural forms can be traced back to ancient forests, where reaching canopies inspired early builders to replicate nature's grandeur in their sacred spaces. This motif of ascent also appears in Egyptian obelisks and Gothic cathedrals, each striving to bridge the earthly and the divine. The emotional impact of this architectural style is profound; the soaring heights and intricate details are designed to evoke awe and a sense of transcendence. The layered symbolism, passed down through generations, affects our subconscious, reminding us of humanity's perennial search for meaning and connection with the cosmos.