Opgegraven sculptuur van een leeuw in Babylon, Irak before 1885

This is a photographic print by Jane Dieulafoy, documenting the excavated sculpture of a lion in Babylon, Iraq. Dieulafoy wasn’t just an artist; she was an archeologist, deeply involved in the physical labor of unearthing history. What's fascinating here is how the photograph captures the raw, material presence of the sculpture still embedded in the earth. We see the weight and texture of the stone, the marks of time and the excavation itself. The image isn't just a record; it's a document of a process. It invites us to consider the immense labor involved, not only in the original carving of the lion but also in its rediscovery. Dieulafoy’s work blurs the lines between art, documentation, and archeological practice. It challenges us to think about how we value the object, the image, and the effort of revealing the past. It’s a testament to the power of seeing the world through the lens of making, and the complex social implications embedded within.