Erechtheion, Athens (62. Athènes. 1842. T. de Minerve Poliade.) 1842

Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey's 1842 daguerreotype, "Erechtheion, Athens," captures the grandeur and decay of the ancient Greek temple. The image showcases the iconic Ionic columns and intricate details of the Erechtheion, juxtaposed against the surrounding rubble and the distant landscape. This photograph, part of Prangey's extensive documentation of classical architecture, offers a poignant glimpse into the past, reminding viewers of the enduring power of ancient Greece. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this valuable historical artifact, allowing viewers to appreciate the skillful photographic technique of the 19th century.