Architectura 1670 - 1724

This engraving, Architectura, was created by Jacob Gole in Amsterdam. Here, the embodiment of Architecture sits regally amongst classical elements: a column, an ornate capital, and a square, a symbol of precision. She holds a miniature building, a promise of the grand structures her knowledge can produce. But let us delve deeper. The column—a motif stretching back to ancient temples—represents not only support, but also civilization itself. The square, echoing through Masonic traditions and Renaissance art, speaks of divine order imposed upon the chaos of the world. These symbols whisper to us, stirring ancestral memories of humanity’s aspiration for order and permanence. Consider how the column, in a fragmented state, can be seen in surrealist paintings to embody the transience of human endeavors, reflecting a profound sense of loss. This evolution demonstrates how cultural symbols never truly die. Instead, they are continually reborn, adapting to reflect the shifting anxieties and aspirations of each new era.