Gezicht op de Universiteit Gent c. 1822 - 1844

Henri Borremans captured this view of the University of Ghent with meticulous lines, immortalizing the architecture. Dominating the scene, the University's facade presents a neoclassical temple front, with the stoic columns and triangular pediment. In classical architecture, these elements echo back to Greek temples, symbolizing reason, order, and the pursuit of knowledge. This visual language is not unique to Ghent, but appears in various iterations across Europe, each time serving to elevate the institution it adorns. These classical symbols, however, are not static. Through history they have shifted. The temple front, once a beacon of the ancient world, reemerges as a testament to modern enlightenment. In its adoption, we see a fascinating interplay between collective memory and the ever evolving human psyche. Like a dream, these symbols are reimagined, their meanings layered and transformed. They engage us at a deep level, resonating with our shared history.