Toegangsportaal van het Stadhuis van Keulen c. 1860 - 1870

This photograph by Anselm Schmitz captures the entrance portal of Cologne City Hall, immortalizing its architectural presence. Dominating the composition is the archway, a powerful symbol throughout history. Here, it is the Roman arch, which not only frames the scene but also invites the viewer to transcend temporal boundaries, connecting us to the ancient past and the triumphal arches of Roman emperors. This motif resonates deeply within our collective memory, signifying not just entry, but passage into another realm—a transition into the heart of civic life. Consider the arch as it appears in Renaissance paintings, framing sacred figures. It also echoes in triumphal monuments, embodying power, victory, and the continuous ebb and flow of civilization, thus becoming a potent signifier of humanity's aspiration for progress, its relentless drive to leave a lasting imprint. The arch is more than a structural element, it evokes subconscious feelings tied to cultural memory. Schmitz captures this psychological weight.