A Moonlight Scene, Venice 1879

Edward John Poynter captured this moonlit Venetian scene, dominated by the cupolas of a church, with watercolor. The dome is a recurring motif throughout history. It transcends its mere architectural function, becoming a profound symbol. In ancient Rome, the dome represented the heavens, a celestial canopy mirroring the divine order. We see this echoed in Byzantine churches, where the dome, adorned with mosaics of Christ Pantocrator, visually linked the earthly and the divine realms, creating a powerful spiritual experience. Consider how the dome appears in the Pantheon or Hagia Sophia, structures designed to evoke a sense of awe and connection to higher powers. This form resurfaces in Venice, atop the church, perhaps reflecting a yearning for connection to the celestial, a reminder of the eternal amidst the transient beauty of Venice. The dome, like human memory, is not linear; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings across time.