The Acropolis of Athens, plate 21

1869/1870

William James Stillman

Associated Names
William James Stillman

Artist, American, 1828 - 1901

This is a photograph of an ancient architectural ruin. The image captures a large, intricately detailed stone doorway leading into the interior space of a ruinous ancient structure. The doorway is framed by stone pillars and a lintel decorated with floral motifs. Beyond the doorway, fragmented stone blocks and rubble can be seen. The lighting suggests that the photograph was taken when the sun was low, casting long shadows and highlighting the texture of the stone. In the forefront, there is a fluted column drum resting on the ground. The photograph conveys a sense of history and the passage of time through its focus on the weathered stonework and decaying structure.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    carbon print

  • Credit Line

    Robert B. Menschel Fund

  • Dimensions

    image: 24.2 x 18.5 cm (9 1/2 x 7 5/16 in.)
    mount: 53.1 x 36.8 cm (20 7/8 x 14 1/2 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2006.86.2


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Gary Edwards Gallery, Washington, DC); NGA purchase, 2006.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

On verso, by Gary Edwards, upper right in graphite: GE / WJS

Wikidata ID

Q64170215

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