Photographing Antiquity

The project aims to systematically record, study, and critically evaluate a previously overlooked aspect of Greek art history: the symbolic performative photographic images of antiquity from the first half of the 20th century. The focus will be on photographs depicting theatrical performances, festive and ritual events, revivals of ancient tragedy, pantomime dance performances, and tableaux vivants (plastic images) organized or performed indoors or abroad by people having some connection to Greece. These photographs will be documented in a digital database for easy access and comparison study. Additionally, the research will explore the interdisciplinary context of this imagery, bridging the gap between stage/theatrical, visual arts, and technology. The analysis will emphasize the role of these hybrid images as intercultural and social coded messages of the body and pose, reflecting modernity and the formation of racial, gender, and queer identities in both Greek and Western mass and erudite culture.