Porta San Lorenzo, Rome c. mid 19th century

Victor-François-Eloi Biennourry’s watercolor depicts the Porta San Lorenzo, its crenellations standing boldly against the sky. These notched battlements, designed for defense, speak to a long history of conflict and protection. We can see a similar motif in medieval castles throughout Europe and even earlier in the fortifications of ancient Mesopotamia, illustrating a human desire for security. This design, born of necessity, becomes a symbol of power and resilience. Think of how it appears in children's drawings, always there to express a deep-seated need for safety. The gateway, acting as a threshold, is a powerful symbol that has existed across time and cultures, from ancient Roman arches to modern city gates. This idea reflects our human experience, reminding us of our personal boundaries and the communal barriers of ‘us’ and ‘them.’ The act of passing through it evokes deep psychological resonance, the transition, entry, and exit of life's stages.