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…
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The Acropolis of Athens, plate 21

William James Stillman (American, 1828 - 1901)

1869/1870

Medium
carbon print
Classification
Photograph
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.)
Culture
American
Museum
National Gallery of Art, CPH
Credit line
Robert B. Menschel Fund
Rights
Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it
Kids profiles and older: it shows nature, places, still life or a children's book. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art

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