La perche c. 19th century

This lithograph by Honoré Daumier depicts two figures engaged in a circus act, with the words 'Rue de Poitiers' emblazoned on the pole, alluding to the location where the action happens. The pole, an ancient symbol of axis mundi, a connection between heaven and earth, appears in various forms across cultures. Think of the maypole dances, the totem poles of indigenous cultures, or even the sacred tree in many mythologies. In this context, the pole and its performers reveal how symbols can evolve and be reinterpreted. Daumier's caricature transforms the sacred into the profane. This reminds us of the cyclical nature of symbols, their ability to resurface in unexpected forms. It's a dance of collective memory, where archetypes are constantly being replayed.