Arena te Arles c. 1860 - 1915

This photograph of the Arena at Arles was captured by Willem Witsen, a Dutch artist known for his involvement in the Dutch Impressionist movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Witsen, belonging to a privileged class, engaged with artistic circles that challenged the conventions of their time. As you look at this photograph, consider the weight of history it carries. The Arles arena, originally built by the Romans, stands as a silent witness to centuries of human drama. Once a place of gladiatorial combat, it reflects the relationships between power, spectacle, and the body. Witsen’s capture invites us to consider our own position as spectators and what it means to inherit such complicated histories. The photograph evokes the passage of time and the layers of social and cultural meaning embedded within this space.