Gevallen obelisk en de obelisk van Thoetmosis II bij het tempelcomplex te Karnak before 1862

Francis Frith produced this photograph of the fallen obelisk and the obelisk of Thothmes II at Karnak in the 19th century. This image invites us to consider the public role of art and the politics of imagery in a colonial context. Frith's photograph captures the grandeur of ancient Egyptian monuments, but it also reveals their state of ruin. Made during a time of intense European interest in Egypt, this photograph served as a visual document for scholars and enthusiasts alike. The image speaks to the power dynamics inherent in archaeological exploration and cultural appropriation. We may consider how the photograph contributed to the construction of a Western narrative about Egypt's past. Was it a celebration of ancient achievements, or a lament for a civilization perceived to be in decline? By researching travel accounts, archaeological reports, and colonial records, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art, power, and cultural identity in 19th-century Egypt.