Deel van het fries van het Parthenon in Athene, afgebeeld twee ruiters before 1868

This is a photograph of a section of the Parthenon frieze, depicting two horsemen, made by G. Arosa et Cie. The Parthenon, an Athenian temple completed around 438 BC, held immense symbolic importance. Its architecture and sculptures were designed to reflect the power and sophistication of Athens during its Golden Age. This particular section of the frieze likely depicts riders participating in the Panathenaic procession, a religious and civic festival held annually in honor of the goddess Athena. The photograph itself raises interesting questions about the institutional history of art. Who were G. Arosa et Cie, and why were they documenting the Parthenon frieze? Were they commissioned by a museum, a scholarly institution, or a private collector? Understanding the context in which this photograph was made can shed light on the ways in which classical art has been interpreted, disseminated, and used to support particular cultural and political agendas. Further research into the archives of photographic studios and museums can provide valuable insights into the social and institutional life of this image.