Muur van de Borobudur met daarin levensverhalen van Boeddha Possibly 1873 - 1879

This photograph by Isidore Kinsbergen captures a wall of the Borobudur, etched with the life stories of Buddha. Notice the serene figures in meditative poses, a recurring motif that transcends time and geography. The gesture of seated contemplation, prevalent here, echoes in the statues of ancient philosophers and the depictions of Christian saints, all embodying a quest for inner peace and enlightenment. Consider, too, the elephant, a symbol of royalty and strength in many cultures. Its presence here harkens back to ancient Indian art, where it often accompanies deities, but also forward to modern interpretations of the animal as a symbol of memory and wisdom. These symbols are not static; they evolve, accumulating layers of meaning as they journey through centuries. The emotional resonance of these images lies in their ability to tap into our collective unconscious, evoking a sense of timelessness and shared human experience.