Matches of wood that closed the door itself 

This print, by Giovanni Battista Piranesi, presents us with a detailed study of the wooden components that secured the doors of a temple. The image is dominated by these archaic yet monumental pieces of wood. These pieces, seemingly simple, evoke complex ideas of protection, sanctity, and the boundary between the sacred and profane. The very act of securing a temple entrance is laden with symbolism. We see similar protective gestures across cultures, from Egyptian pylons to the gates of medieval cities. Even in our modern homes, the act of locking a door carries this primal need for security. These mundane-looking hinges and bolts are direct descendants of the colossal gates of antiquity. Consider the psychological weight of a door. It represents both exclusion and inclusion, a physical manifestation of our desire to protect what is within from the perceived threats outside. This act of "closing the door," seen in the artwork's title, echoes through time, resonating with our deepest fears and hopes for safety.