Napoleon Entering Cairo c. 1900

Jean-Léon Gérôme created this bronze sculpture, "Napoleon Entering Cairo," in the 19th century, a period marked by European colonialism and fascination with the “Orient.” Gérôme, like many artists of his time, never visited Egypt, yet he constructed an image of Napoleon as a conquering hero, evoking a sense of French dominance. This orientalist perspective flattens the complexities of Egyptian culture, using it as a backdrop to glorify Napoleon's military campaign. The sculpture, with its elaborate base adorned with Egyptian motifs, reflects the imperial gaze, reducing Egypt to a symbolic landscape ripe for conquest. It romanticizes the violence and power dynamics inherent in colonial encounters. How does this sculpture make you feel when considering the lasting impacts of colonialism on identity and cultural heritage?