Gemummificeerd lichaam van farao Seti I 1860 - 1900

This is an early photograph of the mummified body of Pharaoh Seti I, taken sometime in the 19th century. The image doesn't just show us the mummy, but also the technologies that have been used to produce the photograph. There's the paper, the dark room, the chemistry to fix an image. But what the photo really shows is the careful craftwork, the intricate techniques, and the incredible labor involved in the mummification process. The layers of linen bandages, the careful arrangement of the body, the elaborate burial rituals – these are all evidence of a highly skilled and specialized workforce, dedicated to preserving the Pharaoh's body for eternity. It's a testament to the power of craft as a means of expressing belief, and transforming the very stuff of life and death. Ultimately, this photograph is a potent reminder that materials, making, and social context are essential to understanding the full meaning of any artwork, regardless of its origin or medium.