Photographer Page

Erich Lessing

A sherd with Coptic writing from the seventh century A.D. is originally from Thebes, Egypt.

Maenads, like this first century A.D. Roman copy of a Greek original statue, danced frenetically as part of Dionysus’ entourage.

The book refers to Usil, the Etruscan sun god, equivalent to the Greek god Helios. He is depicted here in an Etruscan carriage decoration from the fifth century B.C.

Sofonisba Anguissola created “Self-portrait While Painting the Madonna” in Cremona when she was around 24 years old.

As Aten shines upon them, Pharaoh and Nefertiti play with three of their daughters. Prior to Akhenaten’s reign, it was unusual to portray royal families’ intimate moments, unlike in this 14th-century B.C. image.

This well-known portrait of Vlad III—wearing a princely cap adorned with pearls and precious stones—is a copy of one painted during his lifetime (1431-1476) now displayed in Ambras Castle in Innsbruck, Austria.

This wine cup is made in the Attic style and decorated with black figures of hoplites (Greek soldiers). It is a quintessentially Greek luxury item that had made a long journey north along the trade routes from the Mediterranean.

Wooden shovel and bronze pick with a wooden handle used by miners. Tenth or ninth century B.C.

Made from cowhide and wood, this hod- style bag dates to the tenth or ninth century B.C.

Like many noblemen of his time, the great philosopher René Descartes had mastered the art of fencing and once fought a memorable duel. It took place when he was in the company of a lady he was courting, and a rival suitor attacked him as they walked together. Chivalry won the day: After disarming him, Descartes returned the man’s sword to him, saying, “You owe your life to this lady for whom I have just risked my own.”