Deel van het fries van het Parthenon in Athene, afgebeeld vier mannen en twee paarden before 1868

This photograph by G. Arosa et Cie captures a section of the Parthenon frieze in Athens, depicting four men and two horses. The original frieze, carved from Pentelic marble, showcases a mastery of sculptural technique. The flowing drapery, musculature, and dynamic poses required extraordinary skill. Marble, a metamorphic rock, lends itself to fine detail but demands patient, precise work. The original sculptors used tools like chisels, rasps, and drills to shape the stone. The degree of labor involved in extracting, transporting, and carving the marble was immense. The Parthenon was a massive undertaking, and the carving of the frieze was just one part of the overall project. By focusing on the materials and making, we appreciate the tremendous effort involved in creating such a monumental work of art. This reminds us that even masterpieces have roots in the real world of labor, materials, and social context.