Reliëf van een leeuw en een os, van de apadana van Xerxes in Persepolis before 1885

This is a photograph by Jane Dieulafoy of a relief from the Apadana of Xerxes in Persepolis. It's made through the techniques of photography, capturing a stone relief of a lion and an ox. The image is rendered in shades of grey, emphasizing the texture and form of the relief. The stone's inherent qualities of weight and solidity are translated into the photographic print, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the original relief. The creation of the Persepolis relief required skilled stone carvers, and the photograph captures the artistry involved in the relief. The image also speaks to social and cultural significance, documenting an important historical and artistic site. Considering the materials, making, and context allows us to see the interconnection between artistic creation, cultural heritage, and photographic documentation. This approach challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the historical and cultural value embedded in both the relief and the photographic representation.