(12) [Persepolis, (W: before restoration) 1840 - 1869

Luigi Pesce captured this photograph of Persepolis sometime before 1891. Note the fragmented columns and archways, silent witnesses to history's relentless passage. These architectural ruins, emblems of a once-mighty empire, evoke more than just the passage of time. Consider the arch. Throughout history, it appears as both a structural necessity and a potent symbol. From the triumphal arches of Rome, celebrating military victory, to its presence in religious architecture as a gateway to sacred space, the arch signifies transition, passage, and transformation. It is a motif laden with aspiration, a testament to human endeavor. Observe the state of ruin in this photograph. Though decayed, these structures retain a grandeur that engages our subconscious. They are a reminder of the cyclical nature of civilizations—their rise, zenith, and inevitable decline—and a reflection on the ephemeral nature of human achievement. Yet, in their persistence, they invite reflection on the enduring power of memory and the human spirit.