Bust of Patroclus 1843

This calotype photograph, taken in 1843 by William Henry Fox Talbot, depicts a marble bust of Patroclus, a character from Greek mythology. Talbot, a pioneer in photography, utilized the calotype process to capture the intricate details of the sculpture, showcasing his mastery of this early photographic technique. The image, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the early years of photography and the innovative ways it could be used to document and preserve art.