Prins Hendrikkade met Schreierstoren, Sint-Nicolaaskerk en Victoria Hotel, gezien vanaf de Oostertoegang, Amsterdam before 1894

This photograph by Gerrit Hendricus Heinen captures the Prins Hendrikkade in Amsterdam. Dominating the scene, the Sint-Nicolaaskerk stands as a potent symbol. Its dome and towers recall the architectural vocabulary of sacred spaces throughout history. These forms echo not only Christian cathedrals, but also the domes of Roman temples. The Sint-Nicolaaskerk is a clear example of the Renaissance's fascination with classical forms, which it reinterpreted to reflect its own era. The image is embedded in the collective memory of Europe, resurfacing in various forms to inspire feelings of awe and reverence, from the Pantheon to St. Peter's Basilica. The sacred dome has been reinterpreted and adapted in various ways, yet the subconscious association with divinity remains a powerful force. It elicits emotions tied to humanity’s yearning for the eternal and the divine.