Ss. Giovanni et Paolo, Rome (May 1936) 1936

This is M.C. Escher's woodcut print, Ss. Giovanni et Paolo, Rome, from May 1936. The towering campanile, or bell tower, anchors the composition, its arched windows echoing the Romanesque style. The arch, a recurring motif, transcends mere architectural function. In early Christian art, the arch symbolized triumph and divine promise. Its presence here invites reflection on the enduring power of faith and architectural ambition. Consider the arch's evolution: from the triumphal arches of emperors to the sacred vaults of cathedrals, it has been a vessel for diverse meanings, carrying connotations of victory, transition, and spiritual passage. This symbolic weight resonates within us, engaging collective memories of human ingenuity and aspiration. The campanile stands as a testament to both the tangible and the ethereal, evoking emotions tied to historical continuity. The print reminds us of the symbol's cyclical journey through time, constantly adapting to new contexts while retaining a core of ancestral meaning, prompting introspection on how the past shapes our present.