Gezicht op het Kasteel van Versailles 1890 - 1898

This photograph captures the Château de Versailles, with its vast courtyard, and was made in the early days of photography. The building itself stands as a potent symbol of power and authority, not unlike the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia, or the pyramids of Egypt. Observe how this palace, like those ancient structures, is designed to impress and dominate. The flags atop Versailles serve as declarations of ownership, reminiscent of ancient Roman standards planted in conquered lands. This act of claiming space through symbols has echoed through history, from medieval heraldry to modern-day corporate logos. Consider how the very act of building a grand structure is an assertion of control over the natural world. This ambition resonates with our deepest fears and desires, evoking a psychological tension between our primal instincts and our civilized aspirations. It invites us to reflect on the cyclical nature of ambition and the enduring human quest for dominance.