Gezicht op het badhuis in Spa 1873 - 1890

This photograph by Jules Hippolyte Quéval captures the bathhouse in Spa, and features classical architectural motifs symbolizing power and order. The building’s symmetrical facade, with its prominent columns and triangular pediment, evokes the grandeur of ancient Greek temples. This design is not merely aesthetic; it’s a conscious reference to classical ideals of health and well-being, reminiscent of the Roman baths, places of social gathering and healing. Think of the Pantheon in Rome, with its own columns and pediment, each element speaks to the enduring human quest for order and enlightenment. The revival of these classical forms speaks to a deeper, collective memory. Architects, subconsciously drawing upon historical precedents, employ this language to convey stability and authority. These architectural symbols create a powerful, albeit subconscious, connection, engaging viewers on a deep level and evoking feelings of reverence. Thus, these symbols remind us of the cyclical nature of history, where the past continually resurfaces, evolves, and finds new expression in the present.