Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul te Marseille in aanbouw 1855 - 1860

Adolphe Terris captured this sepia-toned image of Église Saint-Vincent-de-Paul in Marseille as it was taking shape. The wooden skeleton reveals the bones of what will soon be a sacred space. Here, we see the bare bones of a building dedicated to Saint Vincent de Paul, a figure known for his compassion and service to the poor. Notice the ladders reaching upwards. This motif, so simple in its utility, echoes the spiritual ascent found in countless religious traditions. Think of Jacob's Ladder, a biblical symbol of connection between heaven and earth. These ladders may be a subconscious invocation of a deep-seated desire to bridge the earthly and the divine. The psychological impact of such spaces, even in their nascent form, should not be overlooked. They tap into our collective memory, reminding us of our shared humanity. This photograph is more than just documentation, it is a mirror reflecting our enduring quest for meaning and connection across time.