4 ms·
When I first saw an image of the Taj Mahal, I had no idea it is a memorial, I thought/assumed it was a classical temple akin to the Parthenon. At least as a kid
by jitl 2y ago
When I first saw an image of the Taj Mahal, I had no idea it is a memorial, I thought/assumed it was a classical temple akin to the Parthenon. At least as a kid growing up in California it seemed classic but also abstract and alien compared to the strict right angles, rectangular platforms and formulaic columns of similarly revered but much older European/Mediterranean structures.
- RcouF1uZ4gsC 2y ago> I thought/assumed it was a classical temple akin to the Parthenon Despite not knowing the details, you knew it was designed to revere or commemorate something even if you did not know the details.
- jitl 2y agoSure, and I took the same from photos of obelisks, the Washington monument, and these Yugoslavian monuments. i thought you’re arguing it’s apparent from the form what is being commemorated/revered, versus the Yugoslavian monuments that are harder to read, and I am disagreeing with that. I think the only monuments that are actually obvious are literal selections like statues, or Lincoln Memorial which is labeled in large capital letters exactly what is commemorated and why. Otherwise all I can tell is “this building is special because its purpose is not easily apparent (and people don’t seem to fit inside it?)”