Gezicht op de binnenplaats van het Casa de Pilatos in Sevilla 1862 - 1876

Captured by Jean Andrieu, this photograph reveals the courtyard of the Casa de Pilatos in Seville, a space where Christian and Moorish architectural elements intertwine, reflecting the complex history of Spain. The arches, repeated across the courtyard, act as powerful symbols. The arch is a motif deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, from ancient Roman aqueducts to Gothic cathedrals. Here, it speaks of transition, connection, and passage. The arch, in its semi-circular form, echoes the celestial dome, hinting at divine order and harmony. Consider how the arch reappears in various guises across cultures, bearing witness to diverse historical narratives. Its presence suggests an unconscious desire to reconcile the earthly with the divine, a recurring theme in human expression. Notice how the play of light and shadow animates the courtyard. Light, often equated with knowledge and truth, filters through the arches, casting shadows that dance and shift. Shadow, representing the unknown or the repressed, adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the composition. In its continuous cycle, the ever-evolving meaning of the arch engages us still.