Sculptuur met Gigantomachie, Vaticaan c. 1857 - 1875

This photograph of a sculpture with Gigantomachie, Vaticaan was taken by James Anderson in the 19th century. Anderson was part of a generation of photographers who documented classical art and architecture, catering to the burgeoning interest in antiquity. The Gigantomachy, or battle of the Giants, is rendered here in a bas-relief sculpture. What does it mean to restage a battle that never occurred, yet is filled with the bodies of men in conflict? The sculpture depicts the giants, often portrayed with snake-like legs, in their mythological war against the Olympian gods. The photograph captures the emotional intensity of the scene, with figures locked in combat, their faces contorted in expressions of pain and fury. This photograph isn’t merely a depiction of a sculpture; it invites reflection on power, resistance, and the narratives we construct to understand our world. It challenges us to consider whose stories are told, and how these stories shape our understanding of history and identity.