Deel van het fries van het Parthenon in Athene, afgebeeld twee mannen en een paard before 1868

This is a photograph by G. Arosa et Cie depicting a section of the Parthenon frieze in Athens. Constructed in ancient Greece, this classical sculpture embodies the period’s complex relationship with identity and representation. The figures, idealized in their anatomy, reflect a cultural emphasis on physical perfection as a marker of social status. These representations often excluded women and other marginalized groups, reinforcing the patriarchal structures of Greek society. The horse, a symbol of wealth and power, further underscores the social hierarchies present in ancient Athenian life. The photograph itself, taken much later, invites us to consider how classical ideals have been reinterpreted and repurposed throughout history. What do we make of the selective preservation and valorization of certain aspects of this ancient culture? Consider how this image resonates with contemporary debates about inclusivity and the politics of representation.