Gezicht op de Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont before 1840

This lithograph from the hand of Jean-Baptiste Arnout captures the Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, its facade reaching towards the heavens. The church, a vessel of faith, employs the verticality of Gothic architecture to symbolize an aspiration towards the divine. This reaching gesture finds echoes across epochs, from the ziggurats of ancient Mesopotamia to the soaring minarets of Islamic architecture. The upward thrust embodies humanity’s eternal yearning for transcendence. Consider, too, how the dome of the Panthéon in the background mirrors similar aspirations, albeit rooted in civic and intellectual ideals. The church, as a symbol, evolves; in medieval times, it was the heart of community life, a spiritual beacon amidst earthly concerns. This potent symbol engages us on a subconscious level, stirring deep-seated emotions. It's a testament to our collective memory, forever seeking higher ground.