Gezicht op één van de torens van Antonia en de Leeuwenpoort en een gezicht op de straat El-Wad, in Jeruzalem before 1865

This photograph by James McDonald captures a view of the Antonia tower and the El-Wad street in Jerusalem. The imposing stone archway, a prominent feature of the architecture, evokes ideas of transition and passage. Consider the arch not merely as a structural element, but as a symbol—a motif recurring throughout history. From the triumphal arches of Roman emperors, signifying victory and power, to the sacred arches in Renaissance paintings, representing divine access. Each repetition carries echoes of its predecessors. This architectural symbol transcends its physical form, resonating deeply within our collective consciousness. It triggers a primal response, inviting us to contemplate the thresholds of our own lives. This photograph is not merely a depiction of Jerusalem, but an invitation to recognize the enduring power of symbols across time.