Deel van de gevel van het synodaal Paleis te Sens c. 1875 - 1900

This is a photograph of part of the facade of the Synodal Palace in Sens. The image's architectural details immediately evoke the Gothic style's aspiration toward the heavens. The pointed arches and ribbed vaults are not just structural; they are symbolic gestures towards the divine. Consider the rose windows, those circular masterpieces of stained glass. The wheel is an ancient solar symbol across cultures. It represents cycles of time, wholeness, and cosmic order. From the mandalas of Eastern traditions to the rose windows of Gothic cathedrals, it reappears as a way to depict our place in the universe. The gargoyles, grotesque figures perched high, serve not only as water spouts but also as guardians. These figures tap into something primal – our fear of the unknown and unseen. They reflect a collective anxiety and, like protective demons, ward off evil. The photograph is not just a record of stone and glass. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols. They continue to resonate with us on a subconscious level, long after their original contexts fade.