The Acropolis of Athens, plate 21

William James Stillman

National Gallery of Art

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.