Ely Cathedral: Nave from under West Tower c. 1891

Frederick H. Evans captured this gelatin silver print of Ely Cathedral, an architectural marvel, at the turn of the 20th century. Note the recurring arches. The arch, a symbol of both physical and spiritual passage, echoes across cultures. From Roman aqueducts to Gothic cathedrals, it signifies triumph and transition. Think of the Arch of Constantine, a monument to imperial power, or the St. Louis Arch, a gateway to the West. But here, in Ely Cathedral, the arch takes on a more profound, spiritual dimension. It invites the eye—and the soul—upward, towards the heavens. This upward gaze is no accident; it reflects our collective yearning for transcendence. We see it echoed in the soaring vaults of medieval churches, reflecting a deeply rooted desire to connect with the divine, a desire etched into our collective memory. As we contemplate this image, let us consider how symbols resonate through time, shaping our perceptions and stirring our souls.