Façade van een huis in Lahore before 1885

This photograph captures a façade in Lahore, presenting a window framed by an arch. The arch, a universal symbol of transition and passage, here speaks to the confluence of cultures in Lahore. We see its echo in Roman triumphal arches, symbols of imperial power, and in the vaulted ceilings of Renaissance cathedrals, reaching towards the divine. Here, it invites contemplation. The window's grid divides the exterior world, offering fragmented glimpses. This recalls the concept of the 'horror vacui', the fear of emptiness, as the architectural elements fill the space, perhaps reflecting a cultural impulse to leave no void unexplored. This façade is more than stone and design; it is a conduit connecting past and present. It prompts us to reflect on how symbols evolve, mirroring our ever-changing understanding.