Untitled (unidentified ruin, Greece) c. 1860s

Editor: This is Francis Frith’s photograph, "Untitled (unidentified ruin, Greece)." The sepia tones give it such an antique feel, and the ruins themselves are very imposing. What can you tell me about the symbolism of ruins, and the way Frith has captured them? Curator: Ruins often symbolize the passage of time, reminding us of mortality and the impermanence of human achievement. How does the absence of human figures in the photograph affect your perception of the ruined structure? Editor: It feels more distant, more like a monument to a civilization long gone. Curator: Precisely. Frith was part of a tradition of photographers who used classical ruins to evoke feelings of awe and contemplation about history. Does the image suggest any particular emotions or ideas to you? Editor: Melancholy, maybe, but also a sense of enduring strength in the face of decay. This really does convey the weight of history. Curator: Indeed, a poignant observation.