The Pantheon, Rome c. 1860s

Editor: This is Francis Frith's photograph of The Pantheon in Rome. The gray tones give a timeless feel to the monument. What strikes you about its formal qualities? Curator: The photograph reveals a strong emphasis on geometric forms: the dome, the rectangular portico, and the cylindrical columns. Note how the play of light and shadow articulates these forms, creating a structured composition. Editor: I hadn't thought about how the light emphasizes the geometry. Curator: Observe how the photographer contrasts the solidity of the building with the delicate details of the fountain. The tonal range, from dark to light, adds depth and complexity. It's a meticulously constructed image. Editor: Thank you, seeing the contrast is fascinating. I see now how the forms really structure the photograph.