Rijtuigen bij de Donnerfontein op de Neuer Markt, Wenen 1876 - 1898

This image, taken by J. Stauda, captures horse-drawn carriages lining the Neuer Markt in Vienna. Dominating the vista is the spire of a nearby church. It reaches towards the heavens, a symbol of spiritual aspiration. The spire, an architectural echo of the ancient obelisk, has long served as a signifier of power and connection to the divine. We see its echoes in the minarets of Islamic architecture and even in the Washington Monument. Each culture adapts this upward-pointing form to express its unique spiritual and cultural identity. This reaching form speaks to our collective yearning for something beyond ourselves. It transcends mere architectural function, tapping into deep-seated human desires for connection, purpose, and transcendence. Throughout history, the spire has reappeared, shifting in style and meaning. It’s a testament to the enduring power of symbols to evolve and resurface across time and cultures.