The Caryatides 1860 - 1865

This albumen print of the Caryatides was created in Greece by Dimetrius Constantine sometime in the 19th century. It offers a view of the iconic sculptures from the Erechtheion, a temple on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens. This image captures a pivotal moment in the history of classical art and architecture. The temple was built in ancient times, but this photo was taken during the so-called “archaeological turn.” The cultural elite across Europe became fascinated with classical antiquity and longed to revive its forms and ideals. Photography played a crucial role in this. It allowed people to experience historical sites from a distance. Consider what it meant for the identity of Greece to have its ancient monuments cataloged and studied in this way. Where does the authority lie when it comes to understanding art and architecture? To learn more, look into the history of photography and the rediscovery of ancient sites.