Graf van Cyrus van een afstand gezien, Pasargadae, Perzië Possibly 1925

A.G.A. van Eelde made this photograph of the Tomb of Cyrus in Pasargadae, Persia, using an analogue camera. In the early 20th century, Persia, now Iran, was a site of intense archaeological interest, reflecting the cultural politics of the era. European powers often used archaeology to assert their influence and legitimize colonial interests, framing themselves as inheritors and protectors of ancient civilizations. Van Eelde’s photograph presents the tomb in a distant, almost romanticized view, typical of the orientalist gaze that was prevalent at the time. This approach tends to emphasize the exotic and ancient aspects of the culture, often overlooking contemporary social and political realities. The tomb, a symbol of Cyrus the Great, is framed as a relic of a glorious past, subtly reinforcing a narrative of Western stewardship over these historical treasures. To fully understand this image, research into the history of archaeological expeditions in Persia, the role of photography in colonial documentation, and the cultural exchanges between Persia and Europe during this period would be essential.