Exterieur van North College van Yale University en Battell Chapel te New Haven before 1895

This photograph captures North College and Battell Chapel at Yale University. The architecture evokes the Romanesque style: with the arched windows and doors, there is a sense of solemnity and grandeur, reflecting the intellectual and spiritual aspirations of the institution. The arch, a recurring motif in architectural history, has symbolized transition and passage since antiquity. Think of Roman triumphal arches or church entrances. In the image, the arched doorways of Battell Chapel create a visual echo of the arch of Constantine, signifying a gateway to knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. The shadows of the bare trees cast eerie patterns on the walls, subtly hinting at the transient nature of life and knowledge, reminding us of the 'memento mori' tradition in art. This motif has continued to resonate over time, serving as a poignant reminder of our mortality. The artist, consciously or not, taps into a shared cultural memory, using symbols that have echoed through time.