La facade de l'abbaye de S. Nicaise de Reims 1625

Nicolas de Son created this print of the facade of the Abbey of Saint-Nicaise in Reims. Dominating the composition are the pointed arches and the rose window, emblems of Gothic architecture, which speak to a reaching for the divine. This reaching gesture is not new. We see echoes of it in the soaring obelisks of ancient Egypt, symbols of the sun god Ra, reaching towards the heavens. Similarly, consider the minarets of Islamic mosques, their spires acting as a visual call to prayer, connecting the earthly and celestial realms. Over time, this reaching motif has evolved, yet its underlying psychological impulse remains. Whether it is the Gothic cathedral, or the Egyptian obelisk, this visual language taps into a deep-seated human desire to transcend our mortal limitations. It's a powerful force, engaging us on a subconscious level, stirring feelings of awe and reverence.