Overblijfselen van de tempel van Luxor 1862 - 1895

This albumen print of the remains of the temple of Luxor was created by Antonio Beato in the late 19th century. As a photographer of Italian origin, Beato navigated the complex colonial landscape of Egypt, capturing its ancient monuments for European audiences fascinated by the ‘Orient’. This photograph isn't just a neutral record; it’s an intersection of historical narratives and power dynamics. The Temple of Luxor, built around 1400 BCE, represents the power and sophistication of ancient Egyptian civilization. However, in Beato’s photograph, it is presented as ruins, implicitly contrasting with the modern, European gaze that frames it. Notice the way the mosque is situated adjacent to the ancient temple, representing how different cultures and religions have layered themselves upon this site. It prompts us to consider whose stories are told, and whose are left out. What do we see when we look at this image? And what remains unseen?