Gezicht op de Notre-Dame van Parijs 1818

Here is a print of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, made by François Louis Couché in the 19th century. The cathedral, a symbol of faith and civic pride, looms large, its Gothic facade a testament to human ambition and divine aspiration. Consider the rose window, prominently displayed. This circular design, with its myriad panes of stained glass, is not merely decorative. It's a microcosm of the cosmos, a wheel of fortune, and a mandala reflecting the divine order. Throughout history, similar circular motifs have appeared in diverse contexts, from ancient sun disks to Celtic crosses, each echoing the cyclical nature of existence. The cathedral itself, with its pointed arches and towering spires, embodies an upward, aspirational movement. It is an echo of humanity's quest to bridge the earthly and the divine, a psychological yearning that transcends time and culture. As we stand before this image, let us recognize the cathedral as a potent symbol, resonating with archetypal forms that course through our collective memory. Its enduring presence invites us to contemplate the eternal dance between heaven and earth.