Gezicht op de San Jerónimo el Real in Madrid c. 1880 - 1890

This photograph captures the San Jerónimo el Real in Madrid, taken by Juan Laurent. Its imposing structure is adorned with crosses atop its towers, symbols deeply rooted in Christian iconography. The cross, as a symbol, extends far beyond its immediate religious context here. Think of the ancient ankh in Egyptian art, a symbol of life, or the Roman standards evoking power and authority. These bear witness to humankind’s inclination to mark spaces, both physical and spiritual. In the architecture of San Jerónimo, the cross becomes a powerful visual reminder of faith and redemption, engaging our collective memory. This is an emotional anchor, linking the viewer to centuries of religious tradition and belief. The cyclical recurrence of symbols like the cross shows how cultural memory evolves, taking on new layers of meaning while still stirring primordial emotions within us.