Gezicht op de Basilique Saint-Michel te Bordeaux 1862 - 1876

This stereoscopic photograph by Jean Andrieu captures the Basilique Saint-Michel in Bordeaux, dominated by its soaring spire. This architectural form, pointing skyward, isn't merely structural; it's a potent symbol, an aspiration toward the divine that echoes through cultures and eras. We see echoes of this reaching-for-the-heavens motif in ancient obelisks of Egypt, forms erected to honor the sun god Ra, their height intended to pierce the sky and connect with the celestial realm. Similarly, the minarets of Islamic mosques serve not only as points from which to call the faithful to prayer but also as visual assertions of faith. The Basilique Saint-Michel under scaffolding becomes an emblem of perpetual striving, a testament to humanity's enduring yearning for the transcendent. The spire, a cultural signifier loaded with centuries of religious intent, continues to evolve, sparking subconscious connections with similar symbols across history, and reinforcing our timeless quest for meaning.