Doorgang van de Groothoofdspoort in Dordrecht 1873 - 1890

This stereoscopic photograph by Jules Hippolyte Quéval captures the Groothoofdspoort in Dordrecht. Ornate stone carvings adorn the gate, the main symbols being the rampant lions in two circular shields, emblems which have a long history signifying courage, nobility, royalty, strength, and valor. The lion as a symbol travels through time and space, harking back to ancient heraldry and mythology. We can find it in the Lion Gate of Mycenae from around 1300 BC, and it recurs throughout history on countless royal crests and flags. The persistent image of the lion testifies to the human need for symbols of power and protection, resonating with our subconscious desires for security and dominance. The lion, therefore, is not merely a decorative motif but a powerful cultural symbol, constantly re-emerging, adapting, and engaging us on a deep, emotional level.