(7) [Tag-e Bustan, Crowning Ceremony of Shapour II, Kermanshah] 1840 - 1869

This photograph of the Crowning Ceremony of Shapour II in Tag-e Bustan, Kermanshah, was captured by Luigi Pesce in the 19th century. The stone relief is presented in a sepia tone. The composition is rigidly symmetrical. The scene depicts three figures carved in stone. The vertical lines of their bodies and the sharp edges of their garments create a formal, almost architectural structure. Note the textural contrast between the rough, natural stone surrounding the relief and the smooth, deliberately shaped figures within it. The photograph captures not just an image, but also the spatial and material dialogue between the carved figures and the natural world. The symmetry in this work is striking, yet not without its variations, allowing a subtle play of power and representation to unfold. While the central figure is clearly marked as the focal point, the flanking figures contribute to a balanced yet dynamic visual narrative. This photograph invites us to consider how form and structure play a crucial role in understanding cultural and political narratives.