Reflections on the Pantheon

In two eyes and a lens

Having made your way through winding, lamplit streets, you enter with an egyptian obelisk and the massive facade just appears, weathered gray and engraved. It is a truly magnificent structure, with strong colimns and an elegant pediment. When I first arrived, a vespers was taking place, and all I could see was the candlelit altar. Beautifully lit up at night!

The grand facade features tall columns, a sloping pediment, an oversized door, and perfection. The Pantheon has perfection poured into its cement, carved into its stone, and flowing through the grand hole in the sky towards the ground at a timeless rate. Minutes become minutes, and no time passes. I am sure that no one in the Pantheon ages, that the candles never burn low, that things do not grow sick or die, for people walk and observe, all is seen and nothing made, and time flows around it, not through it. The ceiling has been stared at since its inception, and people watch it the same way today. No steps taken.

As one enters through the door, the occulus and dome slowly come into view until they are over, above, impossibly distant but oh-so-near. The occulus allows you to see clouds and blue, to let the bright circle of light fall across the walls of the dome, leading through shadows angled and geometries perfect. An awesome sight that's beautiful and otherworldly to behold. A true masterpiece, one can watch it, observe its magnificence forever. My favorite that I have yet seen. Bring me to a place, and it will be the Pantheon.

Upon entering, everyone asks “What happens when it rains?” This is apparently the question of the Pantheon. I have never met someone who asks about the technical skills involved in using increasingly lighter cement to create its massive dome before asking where the rain goes. 22 holes in the floor allow water to drain away. They also allow one to quietly, silently realize where the center of the eye is and, stealthily, grow nearer and then slowly crouch down, center a camera, look up, and behold. One is reminded of the “majestic o'erhanging firmament fretted with golden fire”, of gods long worshipped and now silent, for no oracle sits now at Delphi. Heaven stares down. So few move to stare back.

Photo Link: http://picasaweb.google.it/vetus.veneficus/Pantheon#