Grote zaal in het Berliner Stadtschloss, Berlijn 1868 - 1870

This photograph by Johann Friedrich Stiehm captures the grand hall of the Berliner Stadtschloss, a space adorned with symbols of power and prestige. The most striking features are the opulent chandeliers. Light, particularly in the form of chandeliers, has long been used as a symbol of enlightenment, knowledge, and divine presence. Consider how the motif of illumination recurs throughout history. From the simple candle in a medieval manuscript to the radiant halos in Renaissance paintings, light signifies spiritual insight. Here, the chandeliers embody not only luxury, but also the illumination of reason and the power of the Prussian monarchy. This representation transcends mere documentation. It engages our collective memory, evoking the emotional and psychological associations we hold with grandeur, authority, and the enduring human quest for enlightenment. It reflects our own, perhaps subconscious, fascination with the spectacle of power.