Crystalline Heaven 

Gustave Dore's "Crystalline Heaven" presents us with swirling formations of angels, ascending toward a divine light. This upward movement is a motif we see across cultures, representing spiritual transcendence. Consider the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia, or the pyramids of Egypt; these structures reflect our primal urge to reach the heavens. Here, the angels, symbols of purity and divine messengers, are arranged in concentric circles, echoing the medieval concept of celestial spheres. This circular motif isn't unique; mandalas from Eastern traditions also use circular patterns to depict the cosmos. The human psyche, it seems, is drawn to this form, perhaps as a reflection of nature's cycles, or even the womb. This is a recurring symbol of the eternal return. Notice how this visual language evokes a sense of longing, a subconscious desire to return to a state of wholeness and divine unity. The Crystalline Heaven serves as a potent symbol of humankind's timeless quest for spiritual fulfillment.