Porta d'entrata alla ruine de Persepolis 1858

Luigi Pesce made this albumen silver print of the Gate of All Nations at Persepolis sometime in the mid-19th century. Here we see the crumbling remains of what was once a majestic entrance to the ancient city of Persepolis, built by the Persian Achaemenid Empire. Pesce’s photograph captures not just the physical remnants, but also the weight of history and the passage of time. In 19th-century Iran, photography was becoming a tool for documentation, as well as a means of asserting cultural identity in the face of increasing European influence. The ruins of Persepolis served as a potent symbol of past glory and national pride. Understanding the social and institutional context of this image requires considering the role of photography in shaping perceptions of ancient civilizations. Scholars and historians delve into archives, travelogues, and archaeological reports to understand the significance of such images. This photograph serves as a reminder that art is embedded in specific social and institutional contexts.