[Tomb of Oljaetu, 1305-1313.] 1840 - 1869

This is Luigi Pesce’s photograph of the Tomb of Oljaetu, taken sometime in the mid-19th century, using photographic materials and processes that were still relatively new at the time. Here, the material of photography is crucial: the sepia tone, the soft focus, the way the light catches the ruined surfaces. It all combines to give us a sense of both the monument’s grandeur, and its decay. We can imagine Pesce carefully arranging his equipment, using a long exposure to capture every detail of the scene before him. This was a laborious process, involving a deep knowledge of chemistry and optics. The image thus captures the conjunction of manual skill and mechanical reproduction - the labor of the photographer and the indexical truth of the lens. This photograph wasn’t just a record, it was also a work of art in its own right. Pesce has used the techniques of photography to create a lasting image of a place and time, inviting us to reflect on the interplay of human endeavor, and the inevitable erosion of history.