Gezicht op de Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel, met het Louvre op de achtergrond 1865 - 1880

Achille Quinet captured the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel and the Louvre in this photograph. The arch, a symbol of triumph and imperial glory, is adorned with sculptures that echo classical Roman motifs. Consider the quadriga atop the arch—a chariot drawn by four horses. This motif, rooted in antiquity, signifies victory and power. We see echoes of this image across millennia, from ancient Roman coins to Renaissance paintings, each reiteration imbuing the symbol with new layers of meaning. The arch itself, a gateway, suggests not only physical passage but also a symbolic transition, a crossing over into a realm of honor and remembrance. The psychological weight of such symbols is profound. They tap into our collective memory, evoking emotions tied to conquest and national pride. The photograph, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of how symbols persist, evolve, and continue to shape our understanding of history and identity.