Koret i Århus Domkirke 1862 - 1928

Jens Hansen-Aarslev rendered the choir of Århus Cathedral with crayon on paper. Dominating this sacred space is the altar, its tiered structure echoing the celestial hierarchy. The candelabra, branching like a tree of life, symbolizes spiritual illumination and the divine presence within. Consider how the motif of the sacred tree—seen here in the candelabra—recurs across cultures. From the ancient Norse Yggdrasil to the Christian Tree of Jesse, it represents a connection between heaven and earth, a source of life and wisdom. Over time, its form has been adapted and reinterpreted, yet its underlying meaning persists. The cathedral's soaring arches and vertical lines evoke a sense of aspiration, drawing the eye upward toward the heavens. This architectural gesture, laden with symbolic meaning, creates a palpable sense of awe and reverence. It engages our collective memory, stirring deep-seated emotions of faith and transcendence. Indeed, these symbols have a non-linear progression. They resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings in different historical contexts.