(2) [Persepolis] 1840 - 1869

Luigi Pesce's photograph, *[Persepolis]*, is a striking example of 19th-century archaeological photography. Taken between 1840 and 1869, the image depicts the ruins of the ancient Persian city of Persepolis, showcasing the remnants of its once grand columns against a backdrop of arid hills. This evocative composition captures the grandeur of past civilizations and the passage of time, drawing the viewer's attention to the enduring power of history. Pesce's work, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is a testament to the evolving role of photography in documenting and preserving cultural heritage.