This early 20th-century view captures a poetic intersection of ancient history and 19th-century sculpture in Arles, France. In the foreground sits the dramatic statue of Niobe by sculptor Hippolyte Ferrat, depicting the tragic Greek mythological figure grieving for her children. Rising directly behind her is the Tour de Roland, a medieval fortification built into the ruins of the Roman Theater of Arles. Dating back to the 1st century BC, the theater was once a centerpiece of the Roman Empire; by the time of this photograph, the site had been transformed into a romantic archaeological park, blending Gallo-Roman heritage with the refined garden aesthetics of the Belle Époque.
Era: Divided Back (1905-1910)
City: Arles
State or Region: Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur
Country: France
Topic: Roman Antiquities, Classical Sculpture, Greek Mythology, Archaeological Parks
Condition: Uncirculated
Postage: Unposted; no postmark or stamp
Address Side: divided back
Orientation: Horizontal (Landscape)
Artist / Photographer: Unknown
Publisher: Edition L. Danesi, Arles
Printer: Unknown
Print Type: Collotype
