Zuidelijk portaal van Jedburgh Abbey before 1864

This photograph by Stephen Thompson captures the southern portal of Jedburgh Abbey. The semi-circular archway above the door is adorned with a series of rounded moldings, a motif that echoes through centuries of Romanesque architecture. Such rounded arches are more than mere structural elements; they are potent symbols of continuity. These shapes hearken back to the triumphal arches of ancient Rome, adapted by the early Christian church as a symbol of divine power and authority. We see related forms in the apses of Byzantine churches, and even earlier in the vaulted ceilings of Roman bathhouses. Consider the enduring appeal of this semi-circular form. It reappears throughout history, from the Renaissance to modern architecture. Its repeated use suggests a deeper, subconscious connection. As these shapes evolve, they carry with them echoes of past meanings, subtly influencing our perception. The archway, with its promise of entry and passage, engages us on a deeply human level. It represents a threshold, a symbolic movement from one state to another. It is a visual echo that continues to resonate, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the enduring power of symbols.