Gezicht op gebouwen aan het Binnenhof tijdens de restauratie 1899

This photograph, taken in June 1899, captures buildings at the Binnenhof during restoration. The scaffolding, like a skeletal structure, brings to mind the cyclical nature of construction and decay. Consider the grid-like windows: these patterns aren't mere architectural details; they echo the 'Imago Mundi,' the world image seen throughout history. From ancient cosmologies to modern cityscapes, the grid symbolizes order, control, and humanity’s attempt to map and understand our existence. In a broader sense, the process of restoration embodies our relationship with time. Just as Renaissance artists revived classical forms, here, there's an attempt to preserve the past for the present. It’s a poignant reminder of how we constantly negotiate with history, seeking to anchor ourselves while time relentlessly marches on.