Arch of Constantine, Rome. Albumen print, Getty Museum. Public domain photograph.

Jane Martha St John was a pioneering female photographer in the early days of photography. Born in London in 1801, she was the daughter of a successful merchant and grew up in a wealthy family. She became interested in photography in the 1840s, when the new medium was still in its infancy. St John was one of the first women to take photography seriously and she quickly became adept at the art. She was particularly interested in portraiture and her photographs of children and young women were highly acclaimed. In 1847 St John became a member of the Photographic Society of London, one of the first photographic societies in the world. She exhibited her work at the Society's exhibitions and her photographs were praised for their technical excellence and artistic merit. St John continued to work as a photographer throughout her life and was highly respected in the photographic community. She died in London in 1882, leaving a legacy as one of the earliest and most talented women photographers.

The arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312. Arch of Constantine is an important monument that reflects the political and military achievements of Constantine the Great, who played a significant role in the Roman Empire's transition to Christianity. Constantine's victory at the Battle of Milvian Bridge is said to have been a turning point that influenced his support for Christianity and eventually led to the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, which granted religious tolerance to Christians. The arch stands near the Colosseum and was dedicated in 315 CE. It is the largest surviving triumphal arch in Rome. The structure consists of three archways and is adorned with reliefs and sculptures, some of which were repurposed from earlier monuments and buildings. The reliefs on the Arch of Constantine depict scenes from various imperial campaigns and events, including battles, hunting scenes, and religious ceremonies. Some of the reliefs were taken from earlier monuments, such as the Arch of Marcus Aurelius and the Arch of Trajan, and were incorporated into the design of the Arch of Constantine. The Arch of Constantine itself has undergone some restoration and conservation work over the years to ensure its preservation. These efforts have focused on stabilizing the structure, cleaning the stonework, and addressing any deterioration or damage caused by weathering and pollution.