Sint-Joriskapel op de Lycabettus in Athene 1898

This photograph of the Sint-Joriskapel in Athens, was taken by Johannes Lodewijk Heldring sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century, using a process that was still relatively novel at the time. Photography's appearance, with its sepia tones, sharp focus, and careful composition, all depended on the precise management of chemicals and optics, a delicate balance between art and science. The final print embodies a unique tension. It’s mass-produced, yet retains the aura of the scene it depicts. Beyond the artistry, there's the social context to consider. Photography democratized image-making, making views of distant places accessible to a wider audience. This chapel, perched atop Lycabettus, becomes less a remote religious site, and more an object of tourism and curiosity. By valuing photography not just as a picture, but as a manufactured thing, we can see how even seemingly straightforward images are interwoven with labor, technology, and the shifting currents of culture.