Interieur van de Capella Palatina te Palermo, Sicilië 1857 - 1914

Giorgio Sommer captured this photograph of the Palatine Chapel in Palermo during the late 19th century, showcasing the rich confluence of Norman, Arab, and Byzantine artistic traditions. Dominating the image are the columns, both plain and elaborately carved, acting as silent witnesses to the chapel's layered history. Note how the columns reflect classical antiquity but are adorned with Byzantine mosaics. Such forms, in their essence, evoke not only structural support but also a symbolic connection to the heavens. The columns, with their decorated capitals, speak to a desire to elevate earthly spaces to the divine, a theme recurrent in various religious structures across cultures. Consider the dove perched atop the pulpit, a symbol of the Holy Spirit in Christian iconography. Its appearance here recalls similar motifs found in early Christian art, and its meaning has evolved, yet its core association with divinity persists. This recurring symbol acts as a powerful force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level and connecting the present to the past.