Façade van het Parthenon op de Akropolis, Athene 1852

This photograph of the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens, was taken by Eugène Piot sometime in the 19th century. The image before us is not the Parthenon itself, of course, but a paper print rendered with ink. The laborious processes of photography, especially at this time, involved skilled handwork and the use of darkroom techniques to produce a final print. The Parthenon was originally constructed from marble, a material chosen for its perceived purity and aesthetic qualities. The meticulous carving and placement of each block required engineering, and the coordination of labor on a massive scale. Piot’s photograph captures the Parthenon in its state of ruin, a far cry from the intentions of its creators. His print reminds us of the complex relationship between time, labor, materials, and cultural legacy. It prompts us to consider how the meaning of an object or artwork is inseparable from its making and its social context.