Gezicht op een kazerne van de Svea livgarde aan de Linnégatan in Stockholm before 1891

This black and white photograph captures a view of the Svea Life Guards barracks on Linnégatan in Stockholm. The building, with its repetitive patterns of windows, projects an image of order and discipline. The architectural symmetry reminds me of ancient Roman military structures, symbols of power and control. This aesthetic—the imposing facade—reappears throughout history in various forms of governance, from palaces to prisons. Consider the psychological effect: these structures are designed to instill awe and perhaps even a sense of submission. Over time, the meaning of such architectural displays has shifted. Initially, these buildings may have been constructed to inspire civic pride and project stability. However, with changing political landscapes, they can evoke feelings of oppression or alienation. It is a non-linear progression. The image of the barracks, therefore, becomes a cultural palimpsest where layers of meaning accumulate, reflecting our ever-evolving relationship with power and authority.