[Acropolis, Athens, Greece] 1850 - 1855

This albumen silver print of the Acropolis in Athens was created by James Robertson sometime in the 19th century. Robertson, an English photographer, documented the Crimean War and architecture in the Mediterranean and Middle East. This photograph invites us to consider the layers of history, power, and identity etched into this ancient site. What does it mean to capture an image of a structure that has witnessed centuries of cultural and political transformation? The Acropolis, once a symbol of Athenian democracy and architectural innovation, exists here as a ruin, bearing the marks of time and conflict. Robertson's lens captures not just the physical decay but also hints at the complex narratives of colonialism, cultural appropriation, and the Western gaze on the "Orient." As we gaze upon this image, let us consider how photography itself becomes a tool for shaping perceptions and preserving memories. The emotional weight of history rests heavy upon those stones.