Panorama van Athene (linkerdeel) c. 1880 - 1890

The ‘Panorama van Athene’ is a photograph by Rhomaides Frères, though we don’t have an exact date for when it was made. This image captures Athens from a high vantage point, presenting a sweeping view of the city. In the foreground, the rough, rocky terrain leads the eye towards the urban sprawl, which is punctuated by the silhouettes of ancient monuments and modern buildings. Considered through a postcolonial lens, the photograph raises questions about representation and power. It presents a particular vision of Athens, shaped by the photographer's perspective and the intended audience. Does it romanticize or exoticize the city? How does it position Athens in relation to Western viewers and their expectations of classical antiquity? This image is a poignant reminder of how photography can both reveal and conceal, inviting us to reflect on the stories that images tell and the perspectives they often omit.