Athens-The Parthenon-General View from the North-west before 1866

Curator: Oh, wow. Immediately, I feel this almost melancholy grandeur. Look at this, it's haunting. Editor: Indeed. This albumen print, created before 1866 by Francis Bedford, captures a general view of the Parthenon from the northwest. The inclusion of this work—Athens-The Parthenon—in an album situates it within broader conversations about Orientalism and the archaeological gaze during the Victorian era. These images served as a form of visual colonialism, asserting European dominance over ancient history and non-Western cultures. Curator: See, "visual colonialism"— I hadn't thought about it that way, but that makes sense. I mean, you get lost in the details—the crumbling columns, the light, almost painful, reflecting off the stone, it feels eternal, but terribly fragile. But viewed that way... it places a specific agenda behind such endeavors. Were the prints presented devoid of ethical considerations back then? Editor: Ethical considerations as we understand them now were largely absent, though debates did exist about preservation versus appropriation. This image and others like it circulated among wealthy Europeans, reinforcing notions of Western superiority while simultaneously objectifying Greek heritage. Furthermore, access was largely class-based. Who gets to see such precious artifacts, even through photography, is important. Curator: It is just astonishing how crisp and vivid the details are in an image from so long ago. There’s such a profound sense of witnessing history. I feel that sharp light… the air itself is rendered tangible. I wonder what Bedford felt as he framed the shot? Editor: We can only speculate, can't we? However, it is essential to analyze the technical skill alongside the societal impacts. What were Bedford’s intended effects, considering his audience and the historical power dynamics at play? Examining his intent forces us to address complex matters. Curator: So much to ponder here! Thanks for pointing to that important undercurrent in even, seemingly innocuous photographs like these. It helps provide an updated, necessary lens on an otherwise classic subject! Editor: Absolutely. And appreciating this photo means acknowledging how deeply power and knowledge were entwined back then, which echoes still, today.