Aquarium in Hannover 1869 - 1872

Johann Friedrich Stiehm captured the Aquarium in Hannover with photography, a relatively new medium. The image features an imposing arched entrance, evoking a sense of mystery. Arches have long served as potent symbols, gateways to new worlds, be they literal or metaphorical. The archway is reminiscent of triumphal arches from the Roman Empire, and the stairs are like those found in temples to ascend to the heavens. Note how the walls are made of rough, textured stones in contrast to the smooth, rounded arch. We find this juxtaposition echoed in the Tower of Babel, a monument to human ambition. Here, the rough stone is connected to the earthly realm, and the arch to something beyond. As viewers, we are drawn to the dark interior. The Aquarium represents a threshold, beckoning us to explore the depths of knowledge and the unknown, reflecting humanity’s ongoing quest for understanding.