Gezicht op de directeurskamer en een gezicht op de bibliotheek van de École Nationale Superieure d'Horticulture in Versailles, Frankrijk before 1900

This photograph offers a glimpse into the director's office and library of the École Nationale Supérieure d'Horticulture in Versailles. The most striking symbol here is the accumulation of books. Stacks of books are not just a collection of knowledge, they are a gateway to the vast repository of human experience. Throughout history, the motif of the library has been present, from the famed Library of Alexandria to medieval monastic libraries. These spaces represent a connection to our ancestors, and echo our deepest desire to transcend time and mortality. The architectural designs of libraries often mirror the same elements found in sacred spaces like temples or cathedrals. They are designed to create a feeling of awe and reverence, connecting the reader with past traditions and knowledge. I see in these shelves the labyrinthine corridors of the mind itself, filled with the potential to expand our conscious selves. This humble photograph invites us to reflect on our engagement with the cultural memory held within books. The library is a potent symbol, constantly resurfacing and evolving through history.