Microscopische opname van boorzuurkristallen, 35 keer vergroot 1887 - 1888

This is a magnified photograph of boric acid crystals by Marinus Pieter Filbri. The shapes of these crystals echo ancient symbols of purity and structure found in various cultures, and their crystalline forms reflect an inherent order, a microcosm of the universe's design. Think of the geometric precision mirrored in Gothic cathedrals, where every arch and vault strives for a divine harmony. These crystals, like the architectural aspirations of the Middle Ages, represent a quest for understanding and control over the natural world. The arrangement of these structures on the slide reminds me of constellations mapped by astronomers across millennia. Here, the impulse to categorize and find meaning within chaos is laid bare. By studying the minute, Filbri also allows us to contemplate the vast, and the image transcends its scientific purpose, becoming a canvas for our collective desire to decipher the cosmos.